"You dream about having the kind of relationship with a head coach that I've head with Tony." That's how Colts owner Jim Irsay described Tony Dungy, who officially announced his retirement this afternoon. The news was hardly surprising -- Dungy has contemplated walking away from the game in previous years -- although I can't remember a more emotional press conference. It says a lot about Dungy's impact on the organization, the community, and the league. "I can't thank him enough. I know he's pushed me as a man and made me a better person," Irsay offered.
President Bill Polian, voice cracking as he read from a script, added that "We'll miss his faith, we'll miss his optimism, will miss his patience ... all of which contributes to that Dungy magic. ... What an honor it was to reach the ultimate goal with a man who did it the right way."
As for what the 53-year-old Dungy plans to do with himself:
"I think I've got a chance to do some other things down the road. I think I've got a responsibility to be home a little bit more, to be available to my family a little bit more, and to try to do some things to help make our country better. And I don't know what that's going to be, but ... I wouldn't trade these 31 years [in the NFL] for anything. I wouldn't trade these seven that I've had here [in Indianapolis]; this has been very, very special, and all of you have been part of it. ... It's been awesome, it's been special."
The Colts have already named a successor -- longtime assistant Jim Caldwell. And as MDS wrote this morning, Dungy was motivated to retire now in part because he wanted Caldwell to inherit a strong team. In fact, he told the media that, "In my personal opinion, if Jim Irsay was looking for a coach and interviewed all these guys I'm seeing interviewed, he would interview Jim Caldwell and say that's the best guy out there."
Given that the Colts have won at least ten games since Dungy's arrival in 2002 -- including seven playoff appearances and one Super Bowl victory -- and that Peyton Manning is healthy and motivated, I'd say Caldwell is taking over at a pretty good time.
Inevitably, Dungy was asked about the possibility he might return to coaching at some point in the future. His response: never say never.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-12-2009 @ 7:04PM
ted said...
I am not a fan of the Colts , but Dungy was a true class act. One of the most respected coaches in the league. Maybe irreplaceable. He will be missed.
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1-12-2009 @ 8:13PM
Richard said...
Dungy did conduct himself with class in football. And I'm sure he's done a lot of good off the field as well. Unfortunately, I can't seem to bring myself to like him--in part because he has always been an over-sanctimonious character.
For someone who has done so much to give minority coaches (well, black coaches--he did seem a bit unconcerned with the other minorities) opportunities to rise, I have always been perturbed by his endorsement of organizations that marginalize the homosexual community. I understand he has devout religious values, and I share some of those same values. Where we differ, however, is that while I may not approve of that way of life, I believe that they should be treated fairly by the law and by society. Dungy does not.
And that's a shame, because it makes all his work in championing minority opportunities in football seem hollow. He preached that minority coaches should not be discriminated against based on their color, and should be treated fairly and afforded fair opportunities. Color is an arbitrary discrimination. So is sexual orientation. Sadly, Dungy is willing to fight discrimination in one and endorse discrimination in the other.
Maybe it's inappropriate to bring social issues into an assessment of Dungy at the time of his retirement, but since he will be praised both as an excellent man as much as he was an excellent football coach, I find it only fair that I should knock him for what I consider a devastating hypocrisy.
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1-12-2009 @ 11:10PM
john mcguire said...
I AM HAPPY, AS A HEAD COACH HE IS RESPECTED NOT AS AN AFRO-AMERICAN COACH BUT AS A GOOD AND RESPECTED PERSON AND COACH
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1-12-2009 @ 11:54PM
Bob Hardin said...
Though I to was not a real Colts fan, true blue...Tony Dungy was and is someone that is well respected, intelligent and a winner indeed. A class act that will be missed around the league tremendously....And a coach we will see again shortly with the Hall of Fame and if he gets the urge to coach again, any team in the NFL or anywhere will be richly blessed by his intelligence indeed. All the best and Happy Retirement Tony Dungy
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1-13-2009 @ 12:16PM
Jason said...
First off, it was a joy and an honor seeing Tony Dungy coach. He was a testament to what a coach should be. I am not a huge Colts fan (although I do not completely dislike them either). But, having someone of Dungys character makes it hard to root against them. In a league that seems to have become so much about the individual, and what have you done for me lately...he will me missed. I hope you are as successful in your retirement, as you have been in your football career.
Now, Richard....that was pathetic. Why attack someone in a moment like this? Because he does not share YOUR views and opinions on something? So what, get over it...and get over yourself. Grow up. We can not all agree on everything. Mr. Dungy is not out there picketing the homosexual community. He is not going out of his way to hurt them, or stop them from being treated properly. So, please stop making him sound like he is less of a person because of whatever views he might hold. Stop using this as your soap box to express your views...that should be done elsewhere...some place it is appropriate. I am not saying you do not have the right to your opinion. I am just saying, choose a better place to air those views.
God Bless,
Jason
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1-13-2009 @ 1:44PM
Carrie Cromas said...
Tony Dungy is a man and a coach who deserves a tremendous amount of respect. He accomplished so many things on and off the field. In any interview whether his team won or lost he respected the other players and the other teams and raise them highly. He will be greatly missed not only in the NFL but also in the lives of those around. He has dealt with some tremendous issues and has overcome personal losses. If if those reading this blog have not read his book I'd urge you to do so. It is an amazing testament to who Tony dungy is. His devotion to his family and his faith are who he really is.
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1-13-2009 @ 8:21PM
T said...
Yay!
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1-14-2009 @ 1:51AM
Richard said...
Is it me or is there a rather incredible irony in your remarks? I should grow up and get over myself because I criticized a man for not sharing my views? How is that any different from what you are doing, blasting me for not sharing your views about Dungy?
Like I said, if all the media and press were only concerned with how great a football coach he was, then I would have left this matter to another forum, time and place. However, since all this praise concerns not just how great a coach he was but also how great a man he is, I feel that it's perfectly fair to challenge the latter just as much as the former. People claim he is a great coach. There are those who think otherwise and say so. People think he's a great man. I happen to think otherwise and am saying so.
I'm not barging onto the scene off-topic here.
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