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© St. Petersburg Times, published January 19, 2002
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In less than a week, Tony Dungy has gone from being the coach the Buccaneers did not want to one of the NFL's hottest commodities.
Dungy began meeting with the Panthers about their vacancy Friday night and the interview will continue today. Dungy is expected to interview with the Colts next week. There could be intense competition between the Panthers and Colts for Dungy's services in the next few days.
"It's nice to know that people think something of your skills," Dungy said. "That makes you feel good."
Dungy's arrival came about 45 minutes before news broke of something else that might make him feel good. Bill Parcells, the coach who was expected to replace Dungy, turned down the Bucs' job. His rejection led to instant speculation that the Bucs might try to bring back Dungy.
"My gut is it's doubtful," Ray Anderson, Dungy's agent, said. "Like he and I have said we're looking forward to a couple of opportunities that have presented themselves to us."
Dungy made it clear ownership style will be an important factor in his next job. Dungy has a favorable impression of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.
"I think the biggest thing that I've heard is the ownership and how it's first class," Dungy said. "They've got great facilities. Just good people and I think that's what you want to be around."
That does not mean the Panthers, who have interviewed Giants defensive coordinator John Fox and Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, are a lock to land Dungy.
There is speculation Dungy may view the Indianapolis job as a better fit. The Colts have a strong quarterback in Peyton Manning and talent at the skill positions. Indianapolis' problem last season was defense and Dungy has a strong defensive background.
The Panthers could have other positives in their favor. Though they went 1-15 last season, the Panthers are a team in the middle of a youth movement, which Dungy has been through before. He inherited young teams in Tampa Bay, brought in some draft picks and had the Bucs in the playoffs in his second season.
Dungy said he could envision a similar turnaround if he lands with the Panthers.
"We had some success in Tampa, going from a team that was young and talented that hadn't won much to winning," Dungy said. "So I think we could do that."
The Panthers, who gave previous coaches Dom Capers and George Seifert general manager powers, are expected to go to a three-headed system in which the coach, personnel department and salary-cap expert Marty Hurney each have significant say. That is the type of front office situation Dungy worked with in Tampa Bay.
TAMPA -- Linebacker Derrick Brooks became the second Buc to withdraw from the Pro Bowl Friday. Brooks, who was a starter on the NFC team, will not travel to Honolulu for the Feb. 9 game because of a foot injury.
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who withdrew this week, had arthroscopic surgery to repair a slightly torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. Chicago's Ted Washington replaces Sapp.
The Bucs said the shoulder will be immobilized for a month and Sapp will begin rehabilitation in mid March. He should be ready for contact work by early summer.
CARDINALS: Left guard Pete Kendall, who missed the season's last five games with a foot injury, is scheduled for surgery Tuesday to repair a sprained ligament. He was injured Dec. 2 against the Raiders.
CHARGERS: General manager John Butler said his interview with Marty Schottenheimer went well, but offered little else.
FALCONS: Quarterback Michael Vick appeared in Clayton County State Court and paid $260 in court costs and fines for traffic tickets from October. He had missed two previous court appearances, and authorities said they would issue an arrest warrant if he did not attend Friday's hearing.
REDSKINS: Kurt Schottenheimer, the brother of fired coach Marty, interviewed with new coach Steve Spurrier to retain his job as defensive coordinator. "We'll see how that plays out," Spurrier said.
VIKINGS: Tight end Byron Chamberlain was selected as an injury replacement for the NFC team in the Pro Bowl. Chamberlain replaces Carolina's Wesley Walls, who has an injured knee.