There was word out of Indianapolis today that Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy might not be back next season. Fueled by speculation in a report published by the Tampa Tribune, it was reported Thursday that Tony's son Eric Dungy had enrolled at Plant High School in Florida. Whether it's a sign or not, the fact of the matter is up until this year, Eric, a 16-year-old receiver/defensive back, had gone to school at Park Tudor High in Indianapolis. In his 12 seasons as head coach in which he has compiled a 127-65 record, Tony Dungy has considered leaving football before:
-in 2005 it was widely speculated that he would retire after his 18-year-old son James's suicide. But one week after the season ended, Tony announced he was coming back.
-in 2006 following the Super Bowl victory over Chicago, it was again rumored that Dungy wouldn't return, that he'd go out on top just like others before him like John Elway. But again, Tony came back.
The 52-year-old signed a three year contract extension in September 2005, a deal that intended for him to coach through the 2009 season.
If you ask me, based on everything that I've read up to this point, I honestly believe that this will be Tony Dungy's last season in Indianapolis, regardless on how the season ends. I expect them to beat San Diego this weekend and setup what I consider to be the "real" Super Bowl Colts @ Patriots. But when everything is said and done and he talks it over with his wife like he does every year, I think he'll decide that enough is enough. It's not that he's tired of coaching necessarily, but I think there are other things he wants to do in his life. The tragic death of his son was hard on him and honestly, I'm surprised he came back this year. I know you always want to try and defend your title but why? If you feel that God as your witness has called on you to do other things, then walk away now. Since winning the Super Bowl, Dungy has become more involved in activities outside of football. He is the author of the bestseller "Quiet Strength," and also on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. In previous interviews, Dungy himself said that he never intended to spend his whole life in football and that he initially planned to retire by 50. His son leaving Indy to go to school in Florida is a huge red flag for me. Whatever his decision is, the important thing is that he will leave on his own terms when he's ready. The man is a Hall of Fame coach regardless, its just a matter of when his faith calls on him to head its next project.
Picture courtesy of: http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070310/070310_dungy_vmed_330p.widec.jpg
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