Colts Bring In Caldwell As Dungy's Successor

January 13, 2009 6:08 p.m. EST

Indianapolis, IN (AHN) - The Tony Dungy era officially came to a close Tuesday, when the Indianapolis Colts formally named his replacement at the sidelines, long-time associate head coach Jim Caldwell.

A day after Dungy announced he's walking away from the game after 13 seasons in the NFL, the last seven with the Colts, the team brought in Caldwell to inherit the coaching chores next season via a four-year deal.

"From this day forward I'll thrive in the quality environment (owner) Jim Irsay, (president) Bill Polian and Tony Dungy have created," the 53-year-old Caldwell said. "I want to thank each one of them for the confidence they have placed in me and what a privilege it is to direct one of the great organizations in the National Football League."

Caldwell is no stranger to Dungy's system, having worked with the veteran coach since their days in Tampa Bay.

They stayed together in Indianapolis for the next seven years and Caldwell earned the nod to be the Dungy's successor as early as last year.

A former quarterbacks coach also with the Colts, Caldwell would try to equal Dungy's impressive resume in Indianapolis.

Dungy is exiting after five AFC North Division titles. His last two playoff journeys have all ended in defeats to San Diego, though he directed the Colts to the Super Bowl win in 2006.

Dungy has won at least 10 games in each of the seven seasons with the Colts. His worst outing came during his debut season in 2002 when Indianapolis finished 10-6.

Caldwell guided Wake Forest to a 26-63 record for eight seasons, his lone head coaching experience. The Demon Deacons had one winning season and one bowl appearance under him.

Apart from leading Wake Forest, Caldwell also served as assistant at Southern Illinois, Northwestern, Colorado, Louisville, Penn State and Iowa.