One More Year? Dungy Makes Odd Decision to Come Back to Colts for 08

In a rather unexpected turn of events, Colts head coach Tony Dungy will stay on as the head coach for one more year. Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting that Dungy has decided to stick around on the sidelines for one more year, then give the head coaching duties over to current assistant Jim Caldwell. It was thought by many (including me) that Dungy would hang it up and walk away to be with his family in Florida.

Many around the league, including some of Dungy’s former players, also felt he would walk away instead of coming back in 2008. Owner Jim Irsay did want Dungy to come back, as the team is about to open their new stadium in 08 - Lucas Oil Field. As for Caldwell, he just got a pay raise, so it seems that 2008 will be on-the-job training for him as he wraps up his time as an assistant head coach and then will become the Colts new head coach for the 09 season.

As for Dungy, it’s an interesting decision for him to come back this season. Sure the Colts are going to still be good in 08, but it seemed like Dungy’s time had peeked last year when he led the team to the Super Bowl and beat the Bears in Miami. If he struggles this year, there will be plenty of talk about why he came back.