Profootballtalk.com reported today that Indianapolis Head Coach Tony Dungy was stepping down from the position. Dungy has since denied the reports.
Whether they are true or not is quite irrelevant at this point. What is relevant, however, is that Colts assistant Jim Caldwell has today taken himself out of the head coaching search in Atlanta.
Coincidence? No chance.
It is no secret Dungy wishes to retire to where he used to coach, Tampa Bay, and become a minister.
For Dungy, that seems even more appealing, with his son Eric enrolling in a Tampa Bay high school.
Dungy has considered retirement the last two seasons, but this time it seems to be more serious than ever. With his decision to be made official on Monday, expect Dungy to step down.
Even if he decided to stay, is that in the Indianapolis Colts’ best interest? Yes, Dungy has led them to an NFL record five straight 12-win seasons, five straight AFC South Championships, two AFC Championships, and a Super Bowl victory a year ago.
But where would his commitment be?
The main question to ponder is whether Dungy still has the passion for the game. Dungy has repeatedly said he wanted to be out of the game by age 50. Now he is 52.
With a guy like Jim Caldwell waiting in the wings, it might just be time for the Colts and Dungy to part ways. Not taking away anything from the future Hall of Fame coach, but being a coach in this league is very demanding.
If a guy does not want to be there he will not succeed.
The Colts will have everyone under contract for next season, except Dallas Clark, who is likely going to be resigned or franchise tagged. The team may not have Dungy, but they will still have Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and the rest of their Pro Bowl roster.
There is no questioning Dungy's coaching abilities. There is no questioning the fact he is a players' coach. There is also no questioning of his prior success. However, when a coach's commitment to his team is in question, it is time to move on.
His legacy has been sealed, locked up, and sent to Canton. There is no need for him to put a dark spot on what has been a tremendous tenure in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.
Tony, with all due respect, I advise you retire to the beaches of the great state of Florida.
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5 months ago
another very well written article. Keep it up. I for one hope he retires and the colts begin to decline. Not a fan of peyton or the colts. We will watch and see what happens. In the mean time go favre and the packers. (i'm a bills fan but am a huge favre fan so I likeseeing the pack do well. And as a Bengal fan u can relate to my hard time as a bills fan although I think we are headed in the right direction )
from 5 months ago
Yeah, Paul, obviously its going to be a big year for Dick Jauron. But if Lynch comes back with a solid encore year and Trent Edwards can be steady at QB and not try to do too much, I could see the Bills in the Wild Card. Yeah I am not a fan of Peyton either, I am annoyed by the fact I see him at least five times a day on TV.
5 months ago
hopefully we add a WR this draft and the def will be all healthy for next year and i def am hoping for a WC spot...first playoff birth since 99..wow that was a long time ago
5 months ago
I bet I should not say music city miracle... I think Desean Jackson would be a ridiculous fit for the Bills.
5 months ago
i like him alot too..anohter call kid with marshawn..only prob is btw him marshawn and trent...all cali kids not sure how they handle the cold...but obv lots of skill...weel see how it goes..
5 months ago
As a Colts fan I hope Dungy stays. He is the classiest, most respected coach in sports, and if he decides to retire I wish him the best. I understand that family comes first and I respect that. But Jim Irsay and Bill Polian will do whatever they have to do to keep him around, so I'm not so sure that it's a done deal. Jim Caldwell seems to be the head man in waiting, which would make for a seamless transition, as he is as well-respected as Dungy is.
As for Dallas Clark, the Colts will almost certainly franchise tag him for next year and try to work out a long-term solution for 2009. So basically the whole team will be back to try for another ring. Whoever the coach is, that's got to be pretty comforting.
5 months ago
I agree completely William. Coaching does a lot for a team, but its the talent that makes the Colts. Caldwell would step right in and do the same thing. It is not like there will be total philosophy change.
5 months ago
Will Caldwell make the same mistake and let his team coast the final weeks of the season to flop after a bye week? It seems like the Colts have the most success when they go in as a wild card or are competing to the end for the 1 or 2 spot.......otherwise the like to coast into the playoffs. So from that regard, as a Patriots fan, I hope Dungy stays.
5 months ago
Thats a good point too. What we learned this year is resting your starters does not have the benefits of actually playing them. Just ask the Jags and Bucs what they would do now, keeping in mind hindsight is always 20/20.
5 months ago
Well the jags won...its really the giants playing vs the pats and getting hot...but colts dallas and bucs are examples of resting and sucking
from 5 months ago
The Jags did win, but they barely hung on to a win against a completely beat up Steelers roster.
5 months ago
Brandon made the comment that Colts tight end Dallas Clark is likely headed to free agency. Brandon must not be aware that Colts president Bill Polian just days ago said that Clark would be retained one way or another.
5 months ago
Beach, thanks for correcting that. I read that the Colts, after resigning Sanders, do not have enough money to resign Clark. It appears they will, but some offensive lineman, like Lilja and Scott might be gone.
5 months ago
good job brandon on correcting ur mistakes and doing your research
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