We’ve learned one thing about new Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell so far: He’s decisive.

A day after being officially introduced as the successor to the retired Tony Dungy, Caldwell fired Colts special teams coach Russ Purnell, who held the position for the entire Dungy era. Considering the Colts annual ineptness in the return game, as well as sporadic coverage teams, the move was overdue.

Caldwell’s decision also sends a valuable lesson. Namely, it’s his staff now, not Dungy’s.

If there was any tendency for complacency, that’s out the window. Caldwell knows it’s imperative for him to keep the Colts winning. If he tries to simply maintain where they are now, he’ll be moving backward. Finding a new special teams coach will be a step forward.

Caldwell also named Frank Reich to take his old spot as the quarterbacks coach. Reich, a 14-year NFL backup, had worked as an intern within the coaching staff. Now he’ll be telling Peyton Manning what he’s doing right and wrong. That’s what you call a challenging work assignment.

* Dungy’s “never say never” clause

Because of commitment to honesty, Dungy refrained from saying he would never return to coaching, even though that’s his intent at the moment.

He’s seen too many coaches call it a day, only to find out that the things they loved about the job (game days, locker room camaraderie and working together toward a common goal) are hard to match outside the NFL arena.

For a few minutes on Friday, Tampa Bay fans probably wondered if Dungy might be ready to return to their sidelines. Jon Gruden was unexpectedly fired by the Buccaneers, his career mirroring (with a less happy ending) Dungy’s run in Indy. Dungy was originally fired by the Bucs because of one-and-done playoff trips. Gruden won a Super Bowl with Dungy’s players the next season, but missed more playoffs than he made.

The Bucs wasted no time appointing assistant coach Raheem Morris as Gruden’s successor.

What if Morris doesn’t succeed over the next five years? Might Dungy be lured out of retirement to his hometown team? I think it’s unlikely. But I’d never say never.

* Boilermakers no longer Spoilermakers

Purdue’s men’s basketball team has found the role of Big Ten favorite a little trickier to navigate than last season’s underdog surprise team.

The Boilermakers dug themselves an 0-2 Big Ten deficit with losses to Illinois and Penn State. They came back with a strong win over Wisconsin, then struggled mightily at Northwestern before a late-game comeback win.

Playing Northwestern, with its Princeton-style offense, can be a bear, particularly in Evanston, Ill., and the Boilermakers were fortunate to pull out the win. Later this season, that win might turn into one of the most valuable of the season, particularly if they learn from the game.

Purdue’s core of players is solid, but teams that rely heavily on freshman point guards, as Purdue does with Lewis Jackson, gamble with the potential of rookie mistakes.

Matt Painter turned in a great coaching performance last season with a freshman-heavy team. He’ll need a better one this year with that target on Purdue’s back. Incidentally, the Boilers are back in action at home against Iowa today.

* ESPN’s right time for Knight’s time

ESPN has found a nice showcase for the best qualities of Bob Knight. They put him in a room with a couch, a video screen and no other people. This greatly reduces the chance he’ll choke or head-butt someone, or dump them in a trash can.

I’m joking, of course.

He could always go after a camera operator.

Actually, Knight’s segment on “SportsCenter” where he analyzes a particular facet of college basketball (Stephen Curry’s passing, Tyler Hansbrough’s overall game, Duke’s offensive spacing, etc.) provides interesting coaching-perspective insight. Say what you will about his personality, Knight’s basketball mind has always been impressive. The short segments allow his knowledge to shine through.

* What’s next for Tomlinson?

Sounds like the San Diego Chargers might be willing to part with LaDainian Tomlinson’s talent, salary and untimely injuries.

Even the greatest running backs – and LT is a phenomenal talent – have a limited shelf life in the NFL. That doesn’t mean LT can’t be effective during the second half, or final third, of his career. But the persistent nagging injuries that have limited his game make his high price tag tough to justify.

I have no doubt he’d find a new home if San Diego cuts him loose or seeks a trade. He’s too valuable of a weapon not to take a chance on. The New England Patriots might be the type of team that would find a way to use him efficiently. I’m not sure the rest of the NFL could stomach a team that has Hall of Fame offensive talent in Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Tomlinson, but it’d be fascinating to watch.


This column is the commentary of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The News-Sentinel. E-mail Reggie Hayes at rhayes@news-sentinel.com.