Colts Coach Dungy Calls It Quits

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2009 8:52 PM CST

(Newser) – Tony Dungy bid an emotional farewell to football today as the Indianapolis Colts head coach announced his retirement, the Indianapolis Star reports. “I’ve been tremendously blessed,’’ said Dungy, 53. "It’s been fantastic.” The first black coach to win a Super Bowl, Dungy owns the Colts' best win-loss record, 92-33. "What Phase 2 is, we’ll find out," he said. "But Phase 1’s been awful special and awful sweet."

Tears flowed at today's press conference. Colts GM Bill Polian said Dungy has been a “mentor, a role model and a cherished friend.” Quarterback Peyton Manning called it a "a sad day." Dungy, who has contemplated retirement for several seasons, struggled with his emotions but stayed positive. “Don’t shed any tears for me,’’ he said. "I’ve gotten to live a dream that most people don’t get to live."

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy listens as team owner Jimmy Irsay announces that Dungy will retire in Indianapolis, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy speaks after the announcement that he will retire in Indianapolis, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

This Feb. 5, 2007 file photo shows Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy acknowledging fans at a Super Bowl Rally at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Strickland, File)

Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy speaks after the announcement that he will retire in Indianapolis, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

This Feb. 4, 2007 file photo shows Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy being dunked after the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Tony Dungy retires as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, January 12, 2009. (YouTube)

View larger videos >>

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Dungy Will Be Back with Colts Next Year

Associate head coach Caldwell named as successor by owner

(NEWSER) - Tony Dungy will return for his seventh season at the helm of the Colts. Dungy had contemplated retirement each of the past couple seasons, but after discussing the matter with his family he decided to return. "I'm happy to be back. … My whole family's happy and hopefully our team and everyone here is happy," said Dungy, reports the Indianapolis Star. More»

Pats, Colts Are Breaking Records—for the Bookies

Undefeated matchup is raking in record wagers

(NEWSER) - If fans are excited about this Sunday's showdown between the undefeated Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots, it's nothing to what sports bookies are feeling. The game has already racked up four times the usual number of bets, and those in the know expect "the most wagered-on game of the 2007 regular season," reports the Times. More»

Pats Sink Bills 49-21, Clinch Top AFC Seed

Patriots top Bills, Saints crush Panthers, 49ers thump Rams

(NEWSER) - The New England Patriots overcame a 21-point deficit today with 49 unanswered points to rock the Buffalo Bills 49-21, the AP reports. The win earned the Pats home-field advantage and the AFC's top seed. Tom Brady threw for 338 yards and finished with the second-most passing yards in NFL history, 5,235—behind only Drew Brees, who threw for 5,486 this year with the New Orleans Saints. More»

Colts Owner: Peyton Won't Be Back This Season

But he may practice in December

(NEWSER) - Peyton Manning may recover from surgery quickly enough to practice with the Colts by December, but the team doesn’t expect him to actually take the field until next season, owner Jim Irsay told a breakfast for Super Bowl donors this morning, according to the Indy Star . But the AP reports that he seemingly backtracked moments later—perhaps in the interest of keeping fans' attention this season—tweeting: "I didn't say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE,keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible." More»

Peyton Manning May Miss Entire Season

Colts QB has more neck surgery, will be out months if not longer

(NEWSER) - Peyton Manning's season is in jeopardy after he had to have his third neck operation in two years, reports ESPN . The Colts QB will be out at least two to three months, though the team is downplaying the seriousness and says it expects him to return at some point. At Sports Illustrated , however, Will Carroll says the recovery time for this procedure—something called a "single level anterior fusion"—is typically up to a full year, and he suggests it's possible the great No. 18 has played his last game. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website