Tampa Bay, who reached the playoffs this season for the first time since 1982, kicked off this year's campaign 5-0 while tallying victories over San Francisco and Miami in the process. They downed Detroit in the playoffs before finally succumbing to the awesome Packers.

The reason for the unlikely success? Mild-mannered, even-tempered coaching genius Tony Dungy.

Dungy, a longtime assistant coach who year after year was the most qualified candidate for several coaching jobs, has cashed in on a long overdue opportunity. He served as the defensive coordinator with Minnesota prior to taking over the reigns in Tampa. Many feel the reason it took so long for Dungy to land a job was the color of his skin, an issue Dungy often refuses to discuss. All he's done since receiving his chance is give the team confidence and, after starting out 0-5 last season, he has the Bucs playing far beyond their potential.

He finally has Trent Dilfer playing like a quarterback. After a forgettable three seasons in the NFL, Dilfer has experienced a complete turnaround this season. Last year, he had thrown just one touchdown while tossing eight interceptions after four games. This season? Eight touchdowns and only a single pick in as many games. Dilfer struggled midway through the season but rebounded. More importantly, he has stepped up and assumed the leadership role, a transition which he is quick to credit Dungy for.

But Dilfer isn't the only one contributing. Running back Warrick Dunn has become a legitimate gamebreaker with his speed and crisp slashing ability. The Bucs defense, led by tackle Warren Sapp and linebacker Hardy Nickerson (both Pro Bowlers), has proven that they can stop just about everyone. Dungy has ensured that winning will be a team effort in southern Florida.

However, characteristic of his mild-mannered style, the coach was slow to praise his club as they began to steamroll toward the playoffs.

"I think it's still a too early to be talking playoffs. But that is something I have talked about with our players," Dungy told reporters after downing the Dolphins 31-21 earlier this season.

"We talk about winning championships. We talk about winning playoff-type games. We'll talk today about letting Miami score at the end of the game, and how when you're in a tight playoff game, or you're in a big game, you're not going to be able to allow that to happen."

Dungy clearly understands all aspects of the game better than most coaches in the league -- from the Xs-and-Os to the second-half adjustments to the psychology of the sport. He has managed to keep his team focused, even after the media spotlight has become brighter in the Bay area than ever before.

From day one, Dungy recognized what was wrong with the Bucs, and he and the front office took steps to fix it. Drafting Dunn and Mike Alstott to carry the load in the backfield. Taking the pressure of high expectations off of Dilfer and letting him just relax and be himself. Adding talented wideouts Reidel Anthony and Kevin WIlliams to aid standout Horace Copeland and bolster a weak core of receivers. Injecting aggressiveness into the team by replacing the Bucs' once unflattering team colors and logo. All are pieces of a much larger puzzle that Dungy has assembled, spurring Tampa Bay onto many a victory.

After losing their first five games in 1996, the Buccaneers struggled to a 1-8 record. Then they hit their stride, claiming four out of their last six to finish a respectable 6-10.

But Dungy didn't want to settle for respectable, and he didn't want his team to either. He claims this year was the first step toward bigger and brighter things for the up-and-coming Bucs.

"I think we've got enough guys left from 0-5 and 1-8 that understand it's a long journey and that there's not a big difference between the top teams and the bottom teams. That the reason we've gotten here is because we work hard."

Can they repeat the feat this season? Only time will tell.