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Dungy and Smith are respected coaches not only because of their football knowledge (the duo collaborated to create the Tampa 2 defense, which both the Colts and Bears will use in the Super Bowl), but also because of the way that they conduct business both on and off the field.

After the Super Bowl, Dungy and Smith will continue to be the same people they were before the big game. There will be no finger pointing, neither outward nor upward, for the unpretentious duo.

The two coaches live out their faith. While they do not proclaim it in response to every question asked at a press conference, they do not come close to hiding their true devotion.

"The Lord set this up in a way that no one would believe it," Dungy said after the Colts and Bears advanced to the Super Bowl. "The Lord tested us a lot this year, but he set this up to get all the glory."

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Baptist Press sports coverage of the Super Bowl teams includes:

Among the Colts, faith has made a difference, players say | From South Beach with all its glitz and glamour to an array of parties in other parts of Miami, the Super Bowl XLI scene is one large distraction for faith-filled players and coaches.

Bears credit Lovie Smith for coaching without cursing | Chicago Bears offensive tackle John St. Clair says he is proud to play for head coach Lovie Smith, who not only shares his faith in Christ publicly but has led his team to the Super Bowl without the need to berate or curse at his players.

Other coverage on Smith and Dungy's faith includes:

Super Bowl coaches' Baptist, Methodist roots remain with them on game day | While much has been made about NFL head coaches Tony Dungy's and Lovie Smith's skin color, they've got a stronger bond than being the first African-American head coaches to lead their teams to the Super Bowl. (Associated Baptist Press)

He yells, all right - celebrating victory | The example Lovie Smith has set as he leads the Bears into Super Bowl XLI. (The St. Petersburg Times)

Super Bowl coaches Dungy and Smith known for Christian testimony | Super Bowl XLI will feature two teams making their first super game appearance in two-plus decades, two Midwestern teams separated by only a couple hundred miles, but most importantly two coaches who are strong believers in Jesus Christ. (ChurchExecutive.com)

It's character, not color, that separates Smith, Dungy | So just how big a deal is it that a brotha (two as it turned out) finally led a team to the Super Bowl? Put it this way: a big enough deal to make black folk in Baltimore root for the hated Colts. (ESPN)

2 leaders tell us about ourselves | The biggest audience in television is about to get a live lesson in leadership. Pay attention. It may come in handy in choosing our next president. (Chicago Tribune)

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February (Web-only) 2007, Vol. 51