Coach Dungy's game plan includes spiritual goals

In Indianapolis, the home of the Colts, a lot of hype has surrounded the hiring of a new head coach. Fans have been made aware of Tony Dungy's coaching background.

As the former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he is the winningest coach in that franchise's history. He led Tampa Bay to the playoffs in four of his six years there. In 1999 he guided the Buccaneers to their first NFC central division title since 1981.

Nine players earned Pro Bowl honors in 1999 under his leadership. Between 1998 and 2000 the Buccaneers accumulated the second highest number of wins in the entire league. He was selected as the Professional Coach of the Year by the Maxwell Football Club in 1997.

What hasn't received quite as much coverage is the fact that Dungy has a reputation around the league as a devout Christian. He is known as a man who lives his convictions without apology. It's a lifestyle that had its beginning in his childhood.

"I was fortunate," said Dungy. "Two of my uncles were Baptist ministers and my mom taught Sunday School. So I accepted Christ early."

While his salvation came early in life and he enjoyed a strong foundation in spiritual things as a result of a family that cared, it wasn't until Dungy became a player in the NFL in 1977 that he really began to grow in his spiritual life.

Professional and Christian

"I went to Pittsburgh with the Steelers my rookie year when I was 21," he said, "and it was there I got around some guys who were strong Christian athletes. That was the first time I really understood what it meant to be able to deliver in the professional end and still have your Christian attitude be the most important thing. So it was really at that time when I started growing in my faith."

In fact, according to Dungy, it is precisely because he would no longer have opportunity to attend church on Sundays the way he had in the past that, with the help of his teammates, he became serious about his faith.

"I saw these guys were a little bit different from me," he said. "They were heros. They had been to Super Bowls and they were all at the top of their profession. I could see these guys really put their relationship with Christ first. It wasn't football first or career or anything. It was what you are doing for the Lord, how you are living your life.

"This was an eye opening experience for me. It changed my life."

Perhaps it is because of the positive influence other players had on his life that Dungy has taken steps to make sure his teams have an atmosphere that fosters spiritual participation.

Pre-game strategy

From the very beginning of his tenure as Colts head coach, Dungy has made his priorities known. In fact, one of the very first things he did after being hired was to contact the team chaplain, Ken Johnson.

Johnson, who has been Colts chaplain for 12 seasons, is the director of Helping Hand Group, Inc., an Indianapolis-based ministry that helps meet the needs of inner-city children.

Dungy heard Johnson speak a few years ago and, according to Johnson, became very excited when he found out the same Ken Johnson was the chaplain of the Colts.

"He gave me a call and said, 'you may not remember me but we met a few years ago when you were speaking,'" said Johnson. "Now, here's an NFL head coach who remembers me very well and he's wondering if I know who he is. Remarkable. But that's the kind of man he is. Humble."

The two men met to discuss the spiritual goals of the team for the coming year.

"What we've tried to do, in order to foster an environment of spirituality here, is to meet on Tuesday mornings with the coaches for Bible study," said Johnson. "We meet with the team on Thursday nights in what we call 'Family Night.'"

Chapel services are held 4 1/2 hours before every game.

"Chapel used to be seen as kind of a good-luck charm," said Johnson. "But now ... we don't have many lukewarm Christians who come to chapel. The Word beats them up. Chapel is uncompromising."

Leading by example

According to Johnson there have been coaches on the staff who, while they attended chapel services regularly, did things to completely destroy their witness. Dungy, by contrast, is genuine in his faith and leads by example.

"When he came things really took off," said Johnson. "Everything hinges on leadership and when you have a guy like him taking the lead it makes all the difference. If you are going to have men conduct themselves on the field with respect, in an ethical manner, and with character, you have to have men leading them who know where that comes from.

"Some of our past coaches had the perspective that, even though God and religion are important, football comes before your family and your religion. With a guy who emphasizes Lordship you understand the Lord is first, then your family, and then football.

"If you have a wife who is having a baby, this man says, 'You go take care of your family, your profession will be here when you get back.' To have a man who understands that is major. Do you know how rare that is today? Not just in football, but in all professions."

More than spiritual

Of course a lot of high-profile sports figures have reputations as spiritual people. But Dungy wants it known that he is not merely a "spiritual person," but a Christian.

"I think as a Christian that is something you have to make clear because there are so many thoughts about religion now, so many avenues people want to take." He said. "Whenever I'm asked to talk about it I make sure people understand my affiliation as a Christian, that I follow Christ and Christ's teachings according to the Bible."

Radio broadcaster Bob Lamey, the "Voice of the Colts," said of Dungy, "He is a good man, a good coach, and a good role model."

Johnson calls Dungy, "The real deal, all the time. It's not a front. He is genuine all the time."

Reprinted from Indiana Baptist. Used with permission.