Sad Day in the NFL ...

by tenthmtnman on Jan 12, 2009 12:29 PM EST

Saw online; this is a sad day for the NFL. I don't know that anyone can find something derogatory to say about this Gentleman. Wish nothing but the best for TD and his family.

The Colts have called a 5 p.m. press conference this afternoon to discuss the future of head coach Tony Dungy. Word has reportedly leaked out of Indianapolis that Dungy will indeed retire. From FoxSports.com:

Dungy is walking around the team's complex saying goodbye to players and team employees and informing them that the transition should be a smooth one for new coach Jim Caldwell.

According to one source, Dungy explained that he has talked it over with his family and they believed this was the proper time to step down, while the Colts' nucleus was still intact.

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My observation

I don’t know about him coming back to the NFL. He seems to have bigger things he wants to accomplish. I’m not religious in the least bit, but it seems to drive him, and is driving him to try to do things to help others and to try to make the world a better place. I hope, and feel confident that he will, be every bit as successful in that as he was in football.

by worldtrip on Jan 12, 2009 1:12 PM EST reply actions

the venue for him to help others is in football

He does it every year by being a role model for his players.

He’ll be back. He’s a football coach and teacher, thats what he does. He’s not even 50 years old I dont think either.

by Michael Bean on Jan 12, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

53 years old

by Michael Bean on Jan 12, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

I like how positive you are he will be back coaching

I’m not saying he definitely won’t come back. I just don’t think he will. And I most definitely don’t think it will be after only one year out.

by worldtrip on Jan 12, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

i base my presumptous statements

off lots of things. of course i dont know. but i dont know tons of 53 year olds who retire permanently, espceially those that are competitive. I also know that he’ll get $15 mil a year to come back at some point down the road. Pretty easy to understand why i think he’ll come back based on that just alone.

by Michael Bean on Jan 12, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think he's coming back .. he has nothing left to prove and

obviously has bigger and better things he wants to achieve away from the game in the broader society. Seems like a great guy and will be missed by the NFL. Even though it never gets mentioned, Dungy is part of the Steelers family and comes from Coach Noll’s coaching tree so glad to see an ex Steeler doing it right and being successful.

Here’s a quickNFL Films retrospective:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80e11ec3

by Rash92 on Jan 13, 2009 5:25 AM EST up reply actions

Steeler Notes:

He played for only 3 years. His first two with the Steelers (77 and ’78). In 1978, the season we won our third SB, Tony Dungy led the team in INTs and was 2nd in the AFC with six. He has the dubious distinction of being the only player since the merger to record an INT and throw an INT in the same game. It occured in 1977, after both Terry Bradshaw and Mike Kruczek went down to injury. He was our “emergency” third-string QB much like Randel-El used to be.

As far as his coaching career goes, he became the youngest assitant coach at 25, when Chuck Noll hired him in 1981 and the youngest coordinator when he was promoted by Noll to DC in 1984. The Tony Dungy coaching tree includes such notables
as Herm Edwards, Lovie Smith and Mike Tomlin, but if you stop to think about it, they are all part of the Cuck Noll coaching tree, including our own Coach T.

by Jonny B. on Jan 12, 2009 1:29 PM EST reply actions

Goodbye Tony

You were as classy a coach as any of them. And to be a god fearing man and leading your team to a SB. You are already a legend. Hope to see you on the sidelines soon.

by Hochuli loves Broccoli on Jan 12, 2009 1:49 PM EST reply actions

Dungy's future

I think he’s a good man with a great message. He is caught up in some minor controversies ala Bill Cosby but is a solid guy.

He won’t be back for 2-3 seasons minimum I would guess. First year to decompress and the next 2 toward building/expanding his non-profit enterprise. He may return if he finishes building his organization satifactorily or if it fails to work as hoped. He may have greater influence directly and indirectly as a coach. Only problem is the tremendous toll on the family and the restrictions placed upon all other avenues of interest. Coaching may become a service as much as a challenge. He may be more rewarded through influence than wins. Unfortunately, the league is merciless in this regard.

"Franz" in NoCal

by franz on Jan 12, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions

I Don't Know...

After that tragedy with his son a few years back, I am willing to bet he wants to spend every second of every day with his family.

by Hines Ward on Jan 12, 2009 2:07 PM EST reply actions

dungy

my two cents.

he’ll be back though.

man, 2010 could see Shanahan, Dungy, Cowher, Schottenheimer all return to the game. Crazy!

by Michael Bean on Jan 12, 2009 3:49 PM EST reply actions

Good guy

Its not that sad lol… If anything I’m happy for him. To me its never sad when somebody has achieved the ultimate goal of winning a SB and then decides to step down later on. He had a great run and were it not for some cheaters and a legendary 6th seed he probably has another ring on his hand.

by Mechem on Jan 13, 2009 4:56 PM EST reply actions