Tony Dungy has been named as the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

The announcement came eight days after Dungy was sacked from the same role at Tampa Bay.

He takes over from Jim Mora, who was fired on 8 January, after agreeing a five-year deal worth $13m.

Colts president Bill Polian and Dungy's agent, Ray Anderson, were working out the final details are working out final details on a contract.

Polian said: "Both parties expect things will go smoothly.

The most successful coach in Buccaneers history, the popular Dungy compiled a record of 54-42 in six seasons with Tampa Bay.

He led the team to the play-offs four times, including the NFC title game in 1999.

Tampa Bay and Dungy parted company after a disappointing 9-8 season was followed by a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card game.

In their last three play-off appearances the Bucs had failed to score a touchdown.

One of just two black coaches in the NFL, the 46 year-old Dungy was reportedly also being considered for the vacant Carolina Panther head coaching job.

Considered a defensive genius, he takes over a Colt team that gave up a league high 486 points last season.

Before joining Tampa Bay, Dungy was the Minnesota Vikings' defensive co-ordinator for four seasons.

He also spent three years with Kansas City as defensive backs coach, and eight seasons as a Pittsburgh Steelers assistant.