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Pro Football Hall of Fame 2016: Coach Tony Dungy

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tony Dungy on the field prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tony Dungy on the field prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos at Levi /
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For the second consecutive year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will welcome eight new members. Here we take a look at deserving head coach Tony Dungy.

The first weekend in August is always a special time for football fans. Training camps are in full swing, the preseason kicks off and there’s hope for all 32 NFL teams.

There is also this little event called the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony. It celebrates the accomplishments of the men who have made this a great game, be it as a player, coach or administrator.

Related Story: Pro Football Hall of Fame 2016: Edward DeBartolo Jr.

For the second straight year, there are eight legends in the class. The proud city of Canton, Ohio welcomes owner Edward DeBartolo, Jr., coach Tony Dungy, quarterback Brett Favre, linebacker/defensive end Kevin Greene, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, tackle Orlando Pace, quarterback Ken Stabler and guard Dick Stanfel.

We will take a look at the magnificent careers of each of these men as each receives the ultimate honor when it comes to their place in football history.

29 Oct 2000: Head Coach Tony Dungy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agrues with Referee Ron Marinucci during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Buccaneers defeated the Vikings 41-13.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
29 Oct 2000: Head Coach Tony Dungy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agrues with Referee Ron Marinucci during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Buccaneers defeated the Vikings 41-13.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport /

First on the docket was DeBartolo. Now it’s time to talk about coach Tony Dungy, who began his NFL career as a defensive back with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1977, the former college quarterback turned safety was pressed into duty behind center when starter Terry Bradshaw and backup Mike Kruczek went down with injuries against the Houston Oilers at the Astrodome.

In 1978, Dungy led the eventual Super Bowl XIII champion Steelers with six interceptions during the regular season. He would later play for the San Francisco 49ers in what proved to be a very brief career.

But Dungy will be inducted into the Hall as a coach. He would work his way up the ranks and at one time served as defensive coordinator for the Steelers under Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll, who he played for in the Steel City. He would also eventually be Dennis Green’s defensive coordinator in Minnesota for four seasons from 1992-95.

In ’96, he was hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their head coach. After a 6-10 debut showing, he would lead the club to the playoffs four of the next five years and reached the NFC title game in 1999, losing to the Rams in St. Louis. But after another postseason failure in 2001, he was let go by the team. The following year, the Bucs captured Super Bowl XXXVII under Jon Gruden.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 10: Peyton Manning
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 10: Peyton Manning /

In ’02, Dungy would land in Indianapolis, where he would pair with quarterback Peyton Manning for the next seven seasons. The Colts would win at least 10 games every year, amassing an 85-27 regular-season record over that span, and reaching the playoffs each time. There would be more playoff failures but it all came together in 2006, when the club would go onto win Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears in South Florida.

Dungy would coach the Colts two more years before announcing his retirement. He set a standard with the franchise and the team would go onto reach Super Bowl XLIV (under Jim Caldwell) one year later.

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In 13 seasons as an NFL head coach (including playoffs), Dungy owns a 148-79 overall record with the Buccaneers and Colts. His victory total ranks 22nd in NFL history and is one of only 42 men to lead his teams to 100-plus wins as a head coach in the league. Hired by Pro Football Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian, the successful sideline leader personified integrity during his career.

Additional bio link courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame website

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