Tony Dungy Isn’t Going Anywhere…Yet
Last week, Pro Football Talk published a report that (according to a league source) Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy would step down and be replaced by assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell.
Needless to say, it looks like Pro Football Talk could use some more reliable sources.
Late yesterday, the Colts held a news conference where Coach Dungy announced that he would return to Indianapolis to coach for a seventh season. To Pro Football Talk’s credit, team president Bill Polian also said that Caldwell would be named associate head coach, and will take over for Dungy whenever he decides to leave.
(Meaning that Jim Caldwell is to Tony Dungy what Aaron Rodgers is to Brett Favre)
Bottom line, you have to admire the fact that the Colts have established a succession plan for one of the league’s most successful franchises. Caldwell was being wooed by both the Ravens and Falcons, but chose to stay by Dungy’s side, as he has for the last seven seasons. And give credit to Caldwell for showing patience and staying with the Colts - he realizes that Bill Polian has put together a winning organization and wants to stay a key part of it.
Speaking along those lines, it’s interesting to think about Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and his decision not to interview for those same Falcons and Ravens head coach openings. After the defection of Eric Mangini to the Jets, perhaps the powers that be in Foxborough decided to have a talk with Josh about his future with the Patriots? Just a thought…
Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy, Bill Polian, head coach
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