Some of you younger people don't remember this, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the very definition of futility for most of their existence in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. They were a terrible franchise, playing in a horrid locale (old Tampa Stadium), with lousy players and a horrendous record.

 

In 1996, Dungy changed that. He turned them into a consistent winner, an imposing franchise with regular success ever since. It was he, and not Jon Gruden, who provided the framework for the Super Bowl victory in 2002, following his departure after the 2001 season.

 

That alone would give him strong Hall consideration, given the weight of it. But even before he got to the Bucs, he was recreating the great Vikings defenses of the early 90's (remember John Randle, Chris Doleman and Keith Millard), and before then with the Steelers. He also has had an impact on the game itself with the coaches he has tutored in his coaching tree including Herm Edwards, Mike Tomlin, Lovie Smith, and now Jim Caldwell. That is remarkable.

 

As far as performance, as hard as it is to even get to a sUper Bowl, let alone win one, Dungy has got one in his seven seasons as Indy coach. The only losing season he has ever had was his first in Tampa Bay. He went to the playoffs in 11 of his 13 seasons. He has won at least 12 games during the regular season for six straight seasons, an NFL record.

 

And he has done it all while at the same time being the type of great American we all hope our sons grow up to emulate.

 

If that is not HOF material, then I can't imagine what is.

Great coach, even better man. Good luck to him!!!!!!!

Tony Dungy is all class. I hope he and Mrs Dungy have a long great life together.

Received this in an e-mail:

 

The NY Times reported on the results of a poll conducted, to answer the

question, "What do NFL players really think about the coaches for whom

they play and the franchises for which they work?"

 

Last season, the N.F.L. players union commissioned the Wharton Sports

Business Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania to conduct an

unprecedented survey of players. It was the first time players had been

asked about issues related to their coaches. The survey asked players

to name names, and the players overwhelmingly obliged.

 

Asked which active N.F.L. coaches they would most like to play for,

the players picked:

 

1. Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts)

2. Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears)

3. Bill Belichick (New England Patriots

4. Herman Edwards (Kansas City Chiefs)

5. Mike Tomlin (Pitsburgh Steelers)

 

Not only does Dungy top the list, 3 of the remaining 4 were assistants

to Dungy in Tampa. Not only has Dungy led a historic run of 5 straight

12+ win seasons, he's the favorite coach of players all over the

league. Dungy's style of coaching is loved by players and clearly not

an impediment to winning as Dungy, Smith and Tomlin's teams have been

among the leagues best in their tenures. Even Herm Edward of the

rebuilding Chiefs has led half of the teams he head coached to the

playoffs.

 

This speaks volumes. In summary: Men who are virtuous mentors are the

best and most liked coaches in the NFL.

^That is an amazing fact. I really appreciate that so very few Colts have been involved in off-the-field controversies under Dungy's leadership. Dungy's team makes the Pacers look like the James gang in comparison.

^That is an amazing fact. I really appreciate that so very few Colts have been involved in off-the-field controversies under Dungy's leadership. Dungy's team makes the Pacers look like the James gang in comparison.

Had the same effect here in Tampa.

Sam Wyche is the offensive coordinator for Pickens High (South Carolina). With Tony living in Tampa, and a son (wide receiver) at Tampa Plant High School, I wonder if he'll do some volunteer work, too.