Christian Press Newspaper - Your Christian news authority!

Home - Formerly The Chronicle Christian Newspaper

Dungy stays through '08

Written by Staff Report

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

He'll direct Colts at least that long and then turn over the duties to Caldwell, an assistant.
Detroit News wires and staff

I

Coach Tony Dungy

NDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Dungy is sticking with the Colts.

The team said Monday that Dungy will remain with Indianapolis through at least the 2008 season before turning over the coaching to hand-picked successor and assistant Jim Caldwell. Dungy, the first black coach to win a Super Bowl, spent a week meeting with his family, close friends and trusted colleagues while deciding whether to return for a seventh season with the Colts.

It's the third straight year Dungy, from Jackson, Mich., seriously considered retiring.

"I wouldn't shortchange my family," Dungy said. "I wouldn't come back if my wife or my children were not for it."

The debate focused on Dungy's desire to balance family and football, especially after his family moved back to Tampa r this month. His 16-year-old son, Eric, now attends high school there, and team owner Jim Irsay's willingness to let Dungy spend more time in Florida was a factor in the decision.

Irsay has said Dungy could spend Friday nights there watching his son's football games but insisted the Colts job would be more than a part-time gig for Dungy.

Dungy is the first coach in Colts history to make the playoffs and win at least 10 games six consecutive years.

He has won five straight AFC South titles, taking the Colts to two AFC championship games, and winning last year's Super Bowl, the first with two black coaches, as Indianapolis beat Chicago.

Dungy's 80 victories in Indianapolis, including the playoffs, are a franchise record, and he ranks fifth in victories among those who coached in 2007 with 136 career victories, which also include playoffs.