Tony Dungy coming back next year

February 6th, 2007

Miami, Florida - Despite constant speculation in the media that Super Bowl XLI might be his last game, Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy sounds like a coach who is eager to earn another Super Bowl ring rather than ride into the sunset as a one-time champion.

Despite constant speculation in the media that Super Bowl XLI might be his last game, Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy sounds like a coach who is eager to earn another Super Bowl ring rather than ride into the sunset as a one-time champion.

"I'm fired up and looking forward to coming back," Dungy, 51, said. "I still have a lot of passion and enthusiasm for the game. After a night like last night, how could you not love it? I'm not burned out. I'm not tired at all. Still, I'll evaluate it and see where we'll go."

If the Colts pick up next season where they left off Sunday night, they'll have a chance to win a second Super Bowl. They finished 16-4 after losing three games in December to AFC South rivals Jacksonville, Tennessee and the Texans.

Because Dungy should have most, if not all, of his starting players back - including Super Bowl XLI Most Valuable Player quarterback Peyton Manning - as well as his coaching staff, the Colts should be in a good position to make a run at another championship.

"I look forward to helping these guys defend this title," Dungy said. "This past month has been a wonderful ride. We've got a tremendous team. We've got a group that's very unselfish and plays together no matter what the situation.

"That's what's so neat about this team. We've always had the great Pro Bowl players. But what we had this year was young guys ready to go when we needed them.

"And some of that was a growing process. Some of those guys had to play and learn, and we grew from it."

As long as Manning stays healthy, the Colts will be capable of winning another title.

"I want to be a better player next season than I was this season," Manning said. "This was so special, being able to share this with everyone who worked so hard to earn it. I'd like to experience it again.

"For me, this wasn't a personal mission. I was proud to be a part of this team, and it feels good when you work hard not only this season, but really your whole career to be the best player you can be and have a chance to accomplish your ultimate goal of winning that championship. It's special because you're sharing it with your teammates and coaches."

Manning won't be satisfied with one ring. He wants more. The only current quarterback with more is New England's Tom Brady, who has three.