Dungy says he will return as Colts coach

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy announced at a news conference Monday he will return to the team for another season.

The announcement ended speculation that his six-year tenure with the Colts might be ending.

"The process was not that much different than the last three years," Dungy said. "My decision was, 'Can I give my family and the franchise the energy and attention that they both deserve?' My decision was that I could."

Colts owner Jim Irsay and General Manager Bill Polian addressed the subject of Dungy's successor, formally announcing that Jim Caldwell would become associate head coach.

"We are mutually contractually committed that he (Caldwell) will be the head coach if and when Tony decides to step down as head coach," Polian said.

The Colts were eliminated from this year's playoffs last Sunday in a 28-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers.

Under Dungy, the Colts have reached the playoffs each year with at least 10 victories.