updated 8:31 p.m. ET Dec. 29, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS - Two days after burying his son, Tony Dungy rejoined the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, hugging his players and assistant coaches and thanking the public for its support while he dealt with his personal tragedy.

“It was the right time to come back,” he said following an afternoon workout. “I talked about it with my wife, and we went through the grieving process and now we’re starting with the healing process.”

Dungy left the team Dec. 22 when his 18-year-old son, James, died. A preliminary autopsy report indicated the teen took his own life, but the exact cause of death won’t be released until a toxicology examination is completed in four to six weeks.

Team president Bill Polian and owner Jim Irsay urged Dungy to stay with his family as long as needed while assistant head coach Jim Caldwell filled in. On Tuesday, players, coaches and team officials flew to Tampa for the funeral, the first time they had seen their coach since he left to be with his family.

His return surprised and excited everyone, as did his announcement that he would coach Sunday’s regular-season finale in Arizona.

A locker room that had been subdued during Dungy’s absence suddenly came alive. The Colts also appeared to walk off the field with more pep, and after practice, Polian and Dungy even shared a laugh.

“It’s great to have him back,” Polian said. “It’s been a long ordeal for him and his family, and I think it will be a long, long time before they have a sense of peace and consolation. But I hope this is one place he can find some peace and consolation.”

Dungy said he spent Wednesday with his family at the Tampa Zoo. He said he discussed the decision with his wife, Lauren, and flew back to Indianapolis late Wednesday night with his other teenage son, Eric. At about 7:45 a.m. — his usual arrival time — Dungy walked into the team complex, where he was greeted with embraces, handshakes and condolences.

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As Caldwell hastily called a team meeting, Dungy spoke briefly about how much he appreciated the players’ support.

“It was like a sigh of relief. He gave everyone a big hug,” linebacker David Thornton said. “He didn’t have a chance to do that the other day when we came down. But he hugged everyone. He was so excited to be back with his family, his football family. Everyone is so happy for him. We’re still supporting him.”

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“I thought maybe he might wait until probably after (the regular season) when we started to get ready for the playoffs,” defensive lineman Raheem Brock said. “I hope being back helps him.”

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