Tony Dungy denied an Internet report on Pft.com

[HEAV]

Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy denied an Internet report on Profootballtalk.com that he has decided he will step down and be succeeded by assistant Jim Caldwell, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Wednesday.


Dungy laughed at the speculation.

"Believe it or not, I'm going to go through the process just like I said I would," Dungy told Mortensen. "[Owner] Jim Irsay and I, along with [team president] Bill Polian, have have been talking about this for the last couple of days in Indianapolis. Jim wants me to open the new stadium. I'm not opposed to it, my wife it not opposed to it. I'm going to go through this process to make sure that I should do it.

"My wife and I will continue to discuss it and pray about it," he said. "We should have some type of decision by Saturday or Sunday. The first person outside my family that will know about it is Jim Irsay on Monday morning, and nobody else will know about it before Jim."

Dungy added: "It's amazing that people don't want to believe what I said all along, that I would take this week to make my decision."

Irsay has said that he will do whatever it takes to keep Dungy on the sideline.


"Tony knows how much I want him to stay," Irsay said after Sunday's 28-24 playoff loss to the San Diego Chargers. "We'll sit down and talk this week and beyond this week. He needed to be down in Tampa some in the offseason, taking care of his family. We can work around that.

"Anything that can make it easier, and have him come back and forth in the offseason or anything like that, I think that's possible," he said.

It's the third consecutive year Dungy has contemplated retirement, and he returned each of the previous two.

But he has frequently said he doesn't consider himself an NFL "lifer" and has often acknowledged he planned to leave the game by age 50. He turned 52 in October and has committed himself to many charitable causes off the field.

The debate heated up again recently after his 16-year-old son, Eric, reportedly enrolled at a Tampa high school after attending Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis the last two years, and he insists that another early playoff exit won't change his thought process.

Players, too, are uncertain about Dungy's plans.

Two-time league MVP Peyton Manning said he didn't know what to expect at Monday's annual end-of-the-season meeting. He declined to reflect on what Dungy has meant to him and his career.

"It's hard for me to think about at this point," Manning said. "I'm not sure what we'll find out at that meeting. It's always disappointing, in general, and it's hard to think about that at this point."

Other players appeared to lobby for Dungy's return, although they understand why Dungy would retire.

Dungy has led the Colts to a league-record five consecutive 12-win seasons, five straight AFC South titles, two conference championship games and last year's Super Bowl title. And with all of Indy's key players, except tight end Dallas Clark, under contract for next season, it doesn't appear there will be much regression.

Still, they realize Dungy must make a decision he's comfortable with.

"I have more respect for him than any other coach," said kicker Adam Vinatieri, who owns four Super Bowl rings. "Selfishly, I'd like to have him back. If he goes, I'll give him a hug and wish him well."

Dungy is 127-65 in 12 seasons as a head coach, finishing his six-year career in Tampa Bay as the franchise's winningest coach. He's the only Colts coach to get double-digit victory totals and earn playoff berths in six straight seasons and he led the Buccaneers to the 1999 NFC Championship Game.

If Dungy leaves, his successor may already be in place.

Caldwell has become a regular on the interview circuit, and Dungy and Manning have endorsed as a solid head coaching candidate. Caldwell recently met with the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens about their openings last week. Caldwell also interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals last year.

But if the Colts had their choice, Dungy would return for the 2008 season.

"This is nothing unusual," Irsay said. "He's been taking it year-to-year the past few years, so I hope he comes back."

[Hotrod]

Tony would be stupid to step down EVER. I mean how much $ does he make letting Payton run the team.

Easiest $ he will ever make.

[PatsWin2002]

Tony would be stupid to step down EVER. I mean how much $ does he make letting Payton run the team.

Easiest $ he will ever make.

There's quite a bit of truth in that. At least Manining lets him focus on other things.

[Jason in LA]

PFT.com got a story wrong? No way. That never happens. ;D

[BroncoBuff]

"He needed to be down in Tampa some in the offseason, taking care of his family. We can work around that," Irsay said.
I think Tony is a couple years too late to be "down in Tampa to take care of" at least one young family member. But of course that's cruel for me to say, right? It's never the parents' fault!

Besides, back then Tony was too busy conducting meetings and circulating petitions for a Constitutional ban on gay marriage ... because sometimes telling other people how to run their families comes first, of course.

[rugbythug]

I think Tony is a couple years too late to be "down in Tampa to take care of" at least one young family member. But of course that's cruel for me to say, right? It's never the parents' fault!

Besides, back then Tony was too busy conducting meetings and circulating petitions for a Constitutional ban on gay marriage. Sometimes telling other people how their families must be organized comes first, of course.

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

Judge not lest ye be judged yourself-Metalica

[BroncoBuff]

I'm not judging him. I'm just pointing out the fact that, while he was going full-speed ahead 24/7 as a coach, his 17 year-old son offed himself while living 1500 miles away.

It's kinda like Chris Rock says, "They don't grade fathers, but if your daughter is on the pole? You f***ed up."


Actually I have trememndous sympathy for Dungy, and I understand what I'm saying sounds pretty cold-blooded. I just wish he'd shut his mouth about forcing his family values on other people at the point of a Constitutional Amendment. He's lost his chance to tell others how to run a family. And even more, I'm sick of nothing ever being the parents' fault. A little humility and responsibility on the part of parents would go a looooong way toward improving our society.

[rugbythug]

well this is funny because as public figures go, Dungy is about as humble as they come.

You say you are not judging him and then just continue to judge him.

If you think Tony Dungy is what is wrong with society, you are very confused.

[worm]

I'm not judging him. I'm just pointing out the fact that, while he was going full-speed ahead 24/7 as a coach, his 17 year-old son offed himself while living 1500 miles away.

It's kinda like Chris Rock says, "They don't grade fathers, but if your daughter is on the pole? You ****ed up."


Actually I have trememndous sympathy for Dungy, and I understand what I'm saying sounds pretty cold-blooded. I just wish he'd shut his mouth about forcing his family values on other people at the point of a Constitutional Amendment. He's lost his chance to tell others how to run a family. And even more, I'm sick of nothing ever being the parents' fault. A little humility and responsibility on the part of parents would go a looooong way toward improving our society.

He lost his chance to comment on family to others? Why? Because YOU feel he wasn't there for his? Are you saying he was responsible for his son taking his own life?

Are you working on your judgeship job or moving right on to Divine status?

It sounds like you are saying that anybody going through hell and back can't comment on their perspective or experiences. That they have 'lost that chance'.

Maybe he has learned something from any perceived mistakes you think he has made. Maybe he is in the best position to tell others how to overcome his specific challenges. Maybe anyone going through a life experience like that has something worth listening to.

You on the topic of drugs for example.

[Tombstone RJ]

well this is funny because as public figures go, Dungy is about as humble as they come.

You say you are not judging him and then just continue to judge him.

If you think Tony Dungy is what is wrong with society, you are very confused.

Well said.

[BroncoBuff]

If you think Tony Dungy is what is wrong with society, you are very confused.
Yup. I think Tony Dungy and those like him with their judgmental attitudes are one very big thing wrong with society. Especially when they try to pass laws - constitutional amendments no less - to stop people from choosing whatever families they want. The United States was founded on the principles of a) liberty and free will, and b) separation of church and state. Using religious belief to prohibit people from marrying or from having marital legal rights, is downright un-American, almost by definition.

And, no. Just because he's a "humble" guy and has won a few ballgames doesn't make me think he hung the moon - not by a LONG-shot. So why do you think he's everything "right" with society?


And worm - no, Dungy didn't lose his right to comment, that's my overstatement. Let's just say, he should exercise some of that "humility" rugby loves so much, and refrain from preaching to others. He's in a glass house ... and he should stop throwing stones.

[TheReverend]

The only overstatement that some might perceive you having, Buff, is just Tony Dungy being the vessel.

What I think Buff is trying to get across is that Dungy is just a microcosm of a much larger problem. The religious rite and groups like it are exerting entirely too much control on the government and are hypocritcal in nature. You believe Jesus Christ was your personal savior? Fine. You believe in Buddha the prophet? Fine. Krishna is your solar messiah? Good for you.

But groups that tell you WHAT to think should not be revered. Groups that attack different perspectives and ideas, but when their own shortcomings cause tragedy they can waive responsibility as "God working in mysterious ways" or (insert other scapegoat). Groups that push their beliefs into legislation should be STOPPED.

[rugbythug]

Yup. I think Tony Dungy and those like him with their judgmental attitudes are one very big thing wrong with society.
Maybe you should change your own Judgmental attitudes as your own way to right society.
Especially when they try to pass laws - constitutional amendments no less - to stop people from choosing whatever families they want.
Actually the laws are being passed to stop judges from changing the definition of marriage. Marriage already means a union between a man and woman it is your political agenda to change that.
The United States was founded on the principles of a) liberty and free will, and b) separation of church and state.

Because people of faith want a certain law does not mean it was handed down from the pope. This is the meaning of "Seperation of Church and State" No matter what you wished it meant.
Using religious belief to prohibit people from marrying or from having marital legal rights, is downright un-American, almost by definition.
Using the whim of the minority to change laws is unamerican

And, no. Just because he's a "humble" guy and has won a few ballgames doesn't make me think he hung the moon - not by a LONG-shot. So why do you think he's everything "right" with society?

From all I know of him he is a person who does right by his fellow man and works hard for his achievements, attributes sorely lacking in today's society

And worm - no, Dungy didn't lose his right to comment, that's my overstatement. Let's just say, he should exercise some of that "humility" rugby loves so much, and refrain from preaching to others. He's in a glass house ... and he should stop throwing stones.

Please see bolded above

[SlipperyPete]

PFT.com got a story wrong? No way. That never happens. ;D
It's not wrong until Dungy says he's coming back next year. Could be that he's just not ready to make the retirement announcement yet.

[Goobzilla]

FWIW, Jim Caldwell pulled his name out of the running for the Atlanta job. Might be something to this...

[Tombstone RJ]

Yup. I think Tony Dungy and those like him with their judgmental attitudes are one very big thing wrong with society. Especially when they try to pass laws - constitutional amendments no less - to stop people from choosing whatever families they want. The United States was founded on the principles of a) liberty and free will, and b) separation of church and state. Using religious belief to prohibit people from marrying or from having marital legal rights, is downright un-American, almost by definition.

And, no. Just because he's a "humble" guy and has won a few ballgames doesn't make me think he hung the moon - not by a LONG-shot. So why do you think he's everything "right" with society?


And worm - no, Dungy didn't lose his right to comment, that's my overstatement. Let's just say, he should exercise some of that "humility" rugby loves so much, and refrain from preaching to others. He's in a glass house ... and he should stop throwing stones.

Chill out.

[Tombstone RJ]

The only overstatement that some might perceive you having, Buff, is just Tony Dungy being the vessel.

What I think Buff is trying to get across is that Dungy is just a microcosm of a much larger problem. The religious rite and groups like it are exerting entirely too much control on the government and are hypocritcal in nature. You believe Jesus Christ was your personal savior? Fine. You believe in Buddha the prophet? Fine. Krishna is your solar messiah? Good for you.

But groups that tell you WHAT to think should not be revered. Groups that attack different perspectives and ideas, but when their own shortcomings cause tragedy they can waive responsibility as "God working in mysterious ways" or (insert other scapegoat). Groups that push their beliefs into legislation should be STOPPED.

Last time I checked, the only people forcing a religion down anyone's throat are the Islamic extremists of the world.

Dungy is not putting a knife to anyone's throat and telling them they have to believe what he believes.

There is a freedom of discourse in this country, and it takes a wise person to know the difference. For some reason, the people on the far Left don't always know this. The same comment can be made for the people on the far Right as well.

[TheReverend]

Last time I checked, the only people forcing a religion down anyone's throat are the Islamic extremists of the world.

Dungy is not putting a knife to anyone's throat and telling them they have to believe what he believes.

There is a freedom of discourse in this country, and it takes a wise person to know the difference. For some reason, the people on the far Left don't always know this. The same comment can be made for the people on the far Right as well.

Your first point: Hilarious!

Your second point: No... he's trying to help change legislation so that, regardless of what they believe, they have to act according to what he believes.

Your third point: Not sure if that's directed at me, but I'm a longggggggg ways from "Left"

[Tombstone RJ]

Your first point: Hilarious!

Your second point: No... he's trying to help change legislation so that, regardless of what they believe, they have to act according to what he believes.

Your third point: Not sure if that's directed at me, but I'm a longggggggg ways from "Left"

Your first point to my first point: ???

Your second point to my second point: what does this proposed legislation say exactly and how will it force a free individual to do something he or she can not already do now?

Your third point to my third point: I was not directing that at you, but at individuals who denounce any form of moral foundation which is based on the Bible as some kind of attack on personal freedom. I also don't believe the extreme Right are correct in their methodology either.

[BroncoBuff]

No... he's trying to help change legislation so that, regardless of what they believe, they have to act according to what he believes.
Bingo. He's trying to force his beliefs of what a family is onto EVERYBODY ELSE IN AMERICA by enacting laws that conform to his religious beliefs.

You honestly see nothing hypocritical about a man with a slavish obsession to a 24/7 job a thousand miles away from a teen son who spirals into suicide ... for that man to then use the celebrity of that job to try to force his ideas of how to run a family into law and on the rest of us? Hypocrisy, thy name is Dungy. Maybe when he screwed up so royally in his family, that wouldda been an indicator to stop preaching to others about what they can and can not do with their families.

It's tragic how far this society bends over backwards NOT to blame parents. One thing's for sure, there is no argument: kids need time with their parents - LOTS of time talking with BOTH their parents. So, I'm proposing a Constitutional Amendment of my very own:



AMENDMENT - U. S. CONSTITUTION (proposed)
Parents have freely taken on responsibilities to the child and to society.
Therefore, NEITHER PARENT of a CHILD MAY LIVE MORE THAN 50 MILES
FROM THAT CHILD; and further, as the unanimous consensus of child and
teen psychologiosts teach us accordingly: EACH PARENT MUST SPEND 10
HOURS A WEEK WITH EACH OF THEIR CHILDREN and WITHOUT TV.



I think I'll get some votes. Alotta votes. Probably some celebrities too, maybe even Dungy. Our society will improve exponentially ... crime and violence will almost disappear, understanding and tolerance will flourish, flowers will grow :sunshine: ... and teen suicide rates will drop through the floor.

[Beantown Bronco]

FWIW, Jim Caldwell pulled his name out of the running for the Atlanta job. Might be something to this...

Probably just came to his senses.

[Beantown Bronco]

I'm kind of surprised nobody has commented on this not-so-subtle dig by Adam V.

"I have more respect for him than any other coach," said kicker Adam Vinatieri, who owns four Super Bowl rings.

[TheReverend]

Your first point to my first point: ???

Your second point to my second point: what does this proposed legislation say exactly and how will it force a free individual to do something he or she can not already do now?

Your third point to my third point: I was not directing that at you, but at individuals who denounce any form of moral foundation which is based on the Bible as some kind of attack on personal freedom. I also don't believe the extreme Right are correct in their methodology either.

1. That's simply not true... if Islamic extremists were so hell bent on conversion why are there massive regions of christianity and hinduism in so many Arab nations? I'm not trying to get into any kind of religious debate, but the fact is and will remain that throughout history no force has been more violent and imposing than the Christian "movement"... except maybe greed which one could argue are one and the same.

2. Honestly, I've got my own pre-existing prejudices and judgements like anyone else. For example, I, personally, am Pro-Life, and gays creep me out. The environmental research facility I work at now even has a tranny working here, and I can't handle a conversation with her/him/it. I deserve criticism for those personal beliefs... but I can also seperate right from wrong. I would never impose my pro-life stance on a woman whose circumstances I know absolutely nothing about. And if a same-sex couple lives together and takes care of each other through sickness and bad times, shouldn't they deserve the same tax benefits and spouse pensions, etc as everyone else?

3. The Bible should be applauded for its moral foundation... however, a moral foundation doesn't live or die with religion. True moral foundation comes from mutual respect to another human being, accepting responsibility and compassion... because they're the right thing to do and not because some ancient metaphor personified and misunderstood told you to.

I don't mean to speak for Buff so I'll present my interpretation... The lack of responsibility in today's age is a disease. You can never have complete control over everything, but if your child feels so helpless, and abandoned that they kill themselves, then yes, you did something wrong as a parent. You should take responsibility for your role in their downfall and not pass it off as "God's Will" and then force your "family values" onto everyone who will listen.

[BroncoBuff]

Rev, you're WAY too healthy ... at least for the OM ::)

Not only do you freely acknowledge your biases, you steadfastly refuse to impose them on others.

You sir, are an "American" in every sense of the word. :USA:




Now ... where can I buy your book?

[TheReverend]

Rev, you're WAY too healthy ... at least for the OM ::)

Not only do you freely acknowledge your biases, you steadfastly refuse to impose them on others.

You sir, are an "American" in every sense of the word. :USA:




Now ... where can I buy your book?

Most would argue with your assessment of mentally "healthy"!

It's only in about 20% of bookstores in the US, so you're best bet is to probably go to Amazon.com and type in "Diary of a Madman" or "Patrick Turley".

Make sure you buy 20, they make great gifts for special occasions... special occasions like Tuesdays, for example.