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Fans React To Tony Dungy's Retirement

Last updated on Tuesday, January 13, 2009

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Fans are reacting to the retirement of Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy.

Fans called into Indianapolis Tonight telling stories of the man. A woman from Columbus says Dungy took time to meet with her family as her son was being treated at Riley Children's Hospital.

One man says he applied for a job with the Colts and the only person to reply to one of his letters was Coach Dungy.

The fans are not only commenting on Dungy's performance as a coach, but also as a pillar in the community.

The Tony Dungy era officially came to an end Monday as the Indianapolis Colts' head coach announced his retirement.

Dungy announced his departure during a news conference at the team's Westside Indianapolis headquarters.

The 53-year-old dungy is the winningest head coach in Colts history, compiling a 92-and-33 record in Indianapolis. Dungy set a post-merger record by leading his team to the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons, his final three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and all seven years in Indianapolis. He also became the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl with the Colts' victory over Chicago in Super Bowl XLI.

With Dungy's retirement, Associate Head Coach Jim Caldwell assumes the head coaching duties with the Colts. Caldwell came with Dungy to Indianapolis from Tampa Bay in 2002. He was designated Dungy's successor one year ago and team President Bill Polian feels Caldwell is more than ready to take the helm.

The 54-year-old Caldwell interviewed for vacancies with Baltimore and Atlanta last year before being named Dungy's successor with the Colts. He spent eight seasons as the head coach at Wake Forest, leading the Demon Deacons to an Aloha Bowl appearance in 1999.

His primary duty with the Colts has been as quarterbacks coach, working closely with three-time league MVP Peyton Manning.

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