Dungy calls time on Colts

Dungy: retirement

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Head coach Tony Dungy announced his retirement on Monday after seven years with the Indianapolis Colts.

Dungy became the first black coach to win the Super Bowl after leading the Colts to a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in February 2007.

The 53-year-old previously spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as head coach having represented the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants as a player.

Dungy's retirement follows the Colts' overtime play-off defeat to the San Diego Chargers earlier this month.

"I've been blessed to play three years in the NFL and coach for 28 years. Those 31 years have been fantastic," Dungy told a press conference.

"My wife and I talked about it and felt it was the right time (to quit). It is a chance to do other things, to be at home a bit more.

"I have a real peace about it."

Dungy admitted he had hoped to sign off with another play-off victory and had initially questioned his decision following the defeat to San Diego.

"The initial feeling was not to go out like that," he added. "My goal was to win the Super Bowl and walk off the field at Tampa where it started."

Dream

Colts owner Jim Irsay heaped praise on Dungy, stating: "I knew this decision would come at some time - it has been an incredible journey.

"As an owner you dream about having the kind of relationship with a head coach that I have had with Tony."

Colts associate head coach Jim Caldwell is to replace the departing Dungy.