Dungy and Smith, Doing It God's Way

Facing off in this year’s Super Bowl, coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith reached the pinnacle of their chosen careers as NFL coaches. The exciting thing for me is that they were able to do so without compromising their Christian testimony.  "I'm so happy that Lovie got [to the Super Bowl] because he does things the right way," said Dungy. In a story in the Miami Herald, Dungy said, "He's going to get there with a lot of class, no profanity, no intimidation, but just helping his guys play the best that they can.”

Both Dungy and Smith are well known in their prospective cities for their squeaky clean lifestyles. Neither man uses profanity, drinks or smokes. They rarely raise their voices, in meetings with players or on the sideline during games. They carry themselves with an air of grace and control. They are not shy about revealing their religious beliefs. Their values and lifestyle seem to run counter to what most of the peers are doing. Smith was recently quoted in a Chicago paper, "That's the way I try to do it, and I think it's great that we're able to show the world not only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that, you know, we can still win."

For years, Dungy has preached to players that faith and family came before football. He chases his assistants away from the office at night, insisting they spend the time at home. He is also well known for his charitable work off the football field. He has always been about helping others, his strong sense of community evidenced by an extensive record of supporting worthy causes. He raises money to fund college scholarships for underprivileged children, frequently speaks to faith-based groups and has worked with prison ministries and foster-parent organizations, among others.

Both men see their coaching career as a ministry opportunity, first to the men they are working with and then to the community. They like to be seen as counters to the long-held culture of fear associated with football coaches. They see their roles as teachers, not generals, who lead by explanation, not intimidation. When Smith began working for Dungy during his time at Tampa Bay, he was reminded of his own father, Thurman Smith, who was the ultimate optimist, showering his children with praise. Dungy, after the Buccaneers lost their first five games in 1996, did the same with his assistants. A philosophy of positive reinforcement was established.

"I think young people are struggling with their identity," Dungy says. "What really makes them tick? What's important to them? We're getting a lot of conflicted messages. That's one thing that we, as a society, have to get across to our young guys: How are you going to be defined? Are you defined by being successful at work? By being an All-American or a Pro Bowler? Is that what makes us, or is it something different? Hopefully, we can get across to them that it's something different. It's what you are internally."

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” For years I have tried to remind God’s people that when we go God’s way we get God’s best. If two men can maintain their Christian convictions and testimony in the midst of the rough and tumble world of the NFL, and be successful, you can do the same in your career field. Let’s do it God’s way and see what happens.

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Gregg