Days since the largest upset to date in these NFL playoffs, the feeling that follows the initial shock is lingering.
For the third time in the Peyton Manning era, the Indianapolis Colts are left watching this season’s conclusion following a well-earned playoff bye.
Heavily favored and rested at home in their playoff opener, the now defeated champs are left wondering what happens next following their poor divisional round showing versus the depleted San Diego Chargers.
Be it an uncharacteristic defensive effort or poor execution, few expected the Colts to lay the proverbial egg in their RCA Dome finale. Prior to Sunday’s disappointing loss, head coach Tony Dungy made the argument this year’s team was actually much improved from last season, which may make the loss particularly stinging.
“It’s tough sometimes to reflect back that you did have a good year, that you did a lot of positive things, you saw a lot of growth and a lot of improvement from your players, because you have the disappointment of not winning that last game,” Dungy said. “It’s even probably more disappointing when you don’t play your best, or what you feel is your best.
“In this game you don’t get do-overs, you don’t get repeats, you don’t get second chances,” he added.
Their championship defense officially and unceremoniously concluded, the future of the team’s head coach is now the most pressing issue.
For Dungy’s part, the decision to continue is one not based on football fatigue, but of prioritizing the other facets of his life. Careful not to make the knee-jerk emotional reaction following a tough loss, Dungy expects that decision to come by next week.
“My wife and I will sit down and evaluate this week and talk it through, we’ll probably do a lot of praying about what we want to do,” Dungy said. “We’ll probably come to some decision this weekend and be ready to move forward one way or another. I’m hoping to be back, but we’ll see what happens.”
Though coaching turnover is a given in the National Football League, it is apparent the Colts are doing all they can to keep the coach in blue and white. Inarguably the franchise’s most successful coach since coming to Indianapolis, Dungy has guided the team to a 73-23 regular season record in his six year tenure at the helm. The Colts have achieved unprecedented heights under Dungy’s leadership, among them five consecutive division titles, five consecutive seasons with at least 12 victories and, of course, the Super Bowl XLI title.
Dungy admits his love for the game and enthusiasm remain; however, love for his family precedes any desire to continue what he calls an ideal coaching job.
“If there’s any place you want to work, it’s here,” he said. “The other side of the coin is I’ve done it a long time, we’ve got some kids that I need to be a good dad to and I’ve got to make sure that I have the energy and everything to devote to both those jobs. I don’t want to short change either one.”
Whether Dungy will grace the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium next year is still uncertain, but what is absolute, according to one of the league’s most well respected personalities, is that this head coaching position will be his last.
“This is going to be my last job, this is where I want to work, if I work, There’s no better situation to have,” he said.
