Columns

Dungy can walk off with a smile

By JOHN ROMANO, Times Columnist
Published January 14, 2008

Tony Dungy's contract runs through the 2009 season, and Colts owner Jim Irsay wants him to stay, but Sunday's loss may have been his last game. "It might have been," Dungy smiled. "I just don't know yet."
	[Brian Cassella | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Getty Images] Colts coach Tony Dungy congratulates LaDainian Tomlinson on San Diego's victory.

INDIANAPOLIS - When the end arrived, Tony Dungy chose to stay a few moments more.

Not to reflect on a career, and not to soak up a final memory. With most of his players already running toward the offseason, Dungy remained on the field at the RCA Dome on Sunday afternoon to congratulate the San Diego Chargers.

And as this beaten and disappointed man shook hands and offered his best wishes, you began to understand how he might be willing to walk away from millions of dollars and at least as many cheers.

You see, Tony Dungy has always understood the world was larger than him.

That's why he might choose family time over personal glory. That's why he might choose ministry work instead of a shot at another Super Bowl.

And that's why, if this really was the end, it needn't be so sad.

"Look, we all want him back," Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri said. "He's such an inspirational man, and he touches so many lives. So if he moves on and touches other people's lives, then it's a good decision for him."

It is a decision Dungy insists has not been made. He may have enrolled his children in Hillsborough County schools, but he says that does not necessarily mean he is walking away from Indianapolis and the NFL.

Since the death of his son James two years ago, Dungy has gone through the same self-reflection at the end of each season. Retirement is clearly around the bend, but Dungy, 52, may yet choose to tap the breaks.

"I kind of learned from the last couple of years you have to slow down, let it all filter out and then decide," Dungy said. "I changed my mind a few times after the Super Bowl before coming back, so we'll just have to wait and see."

Is it possible we just witnessed his last moments on a field?

"It might have been," he smiled. "I just don't know yet."

Funny how situations can look similar and yet be so different. His last bosses insisted that Dungy leave after a playoff loss, and his current bosses are begging him to stay.

Dungy's contract runs through the 2009 season, and Colts owner Jim Irsay is hoping to convince his coach to stay at least for another season as the team prepares to move into a new stadium.

If that means letting Dungy have an unprecedented amount of vacation time, then the Colts can work around that. If that means Irsay giving up his private plane so Dungy can fly to Tampa and watch his son play high school football games on Friday night, that's doable, too.

"Tony knows how we feel about him, and he knows that virtually any schedule that would work for him works for us," general manager Bill Polian said. "He's going to think that through. But, as Jim said, whatever Tony feels would be appropriate for him to do the job and come back, we would be happy to deal with. That goes without saying."

If his career really has ended, the resume is not lacking for bold type. He has made the postseason in 10 of his 12 seasons as a head coach, and his career winning percentage (.661) is better than Tom Landry, Chuck Noll, Joe Gibbs or Bill Walsh. He left Tampa Bay with more victories than any coach in Buccaneers history, and he will leave Indianapolis with the same honor for the Colts.

Even more important is the impact he inevitably leaves behind. Dungy did not grow up in Tampa Bay, nor did he have his greatest success there, yet he may be the most beloved sports figure this area has ever known.

Which is why everyone in Indianapolis is hoping to forestall that moment.

"Selfishly, I'm praying for him to stay for one more go-around. Our profession needs him," said receivers coach Clyde Christensen, who has been a Dungy assistant for 12 years. "I do know coaching means more to him since James' death. He realized how important it was in his life, getting through the sorrow, getting through the trauma.

"I know for a fact he needed the team, he needed to get back to work. This bunch means a ton to him. If, and when, he goes it will be extremely difficult for him because of what he's been through with this team, both highs and lows."

More than an hour after the game, Dungy stood in the hallway outside the Colts locker room with a cap on his head, a briefcase in his hand and his future somewhere between here and there.

He talked with acquaintances while his son Eric, 16, leaned against a crate with his head buried in his hands. When others began drifting away, Dungy put his arms around Eric and rubbed his back while talking quietly in his ear.

After a few moments, with the father's arm around the son's shoulders, they turned and headed for home.

Wherever that may be.

Seems like old times?

Considering they are the only NFL franchise ever to have five straight 12-win seasons, all under Tony Dungy, and have had one of the most potent offenses in league history, the Colts' playoff record under Dungy is hardly impressive. Take away that Super Bowl year, and it could remind Bucs fans of his tenure here:

With Indianapolis

Year Reg. season Playoff rec.

2007 13-3 0-1 (home loss)

2006 12-4 4-0

2005 14-2 0-1 (home loss)

2004 12-4 1-1

2003 12-4 2-1

2002 10-6 0-1

Total 73-23 7-5

With Tampa Bay

2001 9-7 0-1

2000 10-6 0-1

1999 11-5 1-1

1998 8-8 -

1997 10-6 1-1

1996 6-10 -

Total 54-42 2-4

Overall 127-65 9-9

[Last modified January 13, 2008, 22:40:45]