Christian Coach

Mark Kriegel has an interesting story on Fox about Tony Dungy and Bill Belichick.  Dungy’s Colts will play Belichick’s Patriots this Sunday.  This game is not just an interesting match up in terms of team ability, but also in the area of character.

In recent weeks I have lamented continually about the whole Patriots and Belichick cheating scandal.  I am a football fan, you see, and it sickens me to no end.  I am outraged by the act, and disgusted by the lack of true punishment.  But it’s more than that.  This scandal seems to speak to character as well.  When I see Belichick not only being allowed to coach after being proved a cheater but also run up scores, I have to wonder what he’s adding to the sport of football. 

It’s no secret that I’ve been a football fan my whole life.  Usually when my favorite team (the Packers) don’t make it to the Superbowl, I’m disappointed, but I’ll watch anyway.  Last year, I found myself in an amazing position:  I had great respect for both coaches.  I was happy they had each made it into the big game.  They were gentlemen.  Christians.  Running their teams in a different way than the norm.  They had won my respect.

When the Colts won the game, Tony Dungy said:

“I tell you what, I’m proud to be representing African-American coaches, to be the first African-American coach to win this. It means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I said it before, Lovie Smith and I, not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches showing you can win doing it the Lord’s way. We’re more proud of that.”