Shanahan and Colts a Perfect Fit

Mike Shanahan told CNNSI/NBC's Peter King that he wouldn't return this year unless it were a perfect situation. Some reports have the Cowboys interested in Shanahan to coach in 2010, putting into doubt the Conan/Leno situation that was believed to exist with Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett. (For the record, Wade is funnier than Leno).



I see something else playing out. Tony Dungy has flirted with the idea of retiring for a couple seasons now, and I think this might be the right time for him. ESPN and other sources have reported that Dungy will again consider the notion this offseason. Ideally he would have gone out on a high note, with another championship, but I think he will find himself satisfied with what he accomplished this year, taking a 3-4 team to 12-4.

And what situation could be more perfect for Shanahan? He'd have a ready-made championship team, and, as much as it pains a Baltimore fan to say it, a pretty stable hands-off ownership group in the Irsays. Frankly, what coach would not want to work with Peyton Manning? And I don't even want to think about what Shanahan's zone blocking run scheme could do for the one-dimensional Colts next year.