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Dungy Weighs His Options

By BARRY WILNER, The Associated Press

Published: January 15, 2008

Updated: 01/14/2008 11:34 pm

Tony Dungy has a big decision to make, one that has nothing to do with going for it on fourth down.

Should the Indianapolis Colts coach continue in that role or retire to spend more time with his family and performing his charitable work?

Dungy made it clear Monday he is not tired of the coaching grind or the pressure of big-time games. And no, the previous day's stunning upset at the hands of San Diego that knocked the defending champions from the playoffs will not be a major factor in his decision.

But Dungy clearly is torn.

"I still enjoy it very much," he said moments after addressing the players for the final time this season. "I love coming to work. I'm not burned out at all. All those things I feel really are positive.

"On the other side of the coin, I've done it a long time. I need to be a good dad and need to make sure I have the energy to devote to both jobs. I don't want to shortchange the Colts and certainly don't want to shortchange my family."

Should Dungy retire - he expects to decide within a week - the NFL would lose one of its classiest men.

Not only is he a man of strong faith and an important spokesman for his race, but Dungy regularly becomes a part of his players' lives away from the field. For instance, he offered opportunity and guidance to defensive tackle Ed Johnson this season.

Johnson went undrafted last April in great part because of discipline problems at Penn State.

Johnson had a solid season for Indianapolis and no off-field issues.

"I wouldn't want to play for anybody else," Johnson said Monday. "He's a great coach, and the way he does things, he's a standup guy."

Dungy's legacy certainly will reach far beyond the wins (136) and the All-Pros he's helped develop no matter how long he coaches.

Consider his tireless work with groups such as All-Pro Dads and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Dungy was appointed to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation last summer.

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