Saying Goodbye

If I were still blogging about sports I would write about how the City of Indianapolis just lost one of the best NFL coaches. I would write something along the lines of how anyone who is excited to see Dungy leave because of his last few playoff losses is a fool. A fool because the man has taken this team from middle market wannabe to a first class NFL city, much like he did with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I would write how a man who has declined to let football define him has helped define football - the new football - the one where you can be both a "players coach" and still win.

Coach Dungy has become a model for coaches who don't want to be the spitting, screaming, maniacal hot-heads who pace the sidelines on Sunday's. He has become a model for people of faith and compassion who understand that in life it's about the impact that you have on those around you more so than the W's and L's in the column after your name.

Coach Dungy wants to move to the next chapter in his life - one in which community, faith, service, and fatherhood play a more prominent role. He has decided that now, when he is still on top of his game, is the right time to leave. A message that many aging players and coaches fail to realize (someone please call Brett Favre). He is ready to go and he should be commended and thanked for all that he has done and what he has yet to do.

Congratulations Coach, you are a fine example for coaches, players, and men everywhere.