Their longtime friendship made the day even more poignant.

Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy advanced to the Super Bowl with their teams on Sunday and gave the NFL a historic moment that was 41 years in the making.

As the first black head coaches to make it to the nation's uber sporting event, they couldn't help mentioning how special it was to be there together.

"It means a lot," Dungy said after his Indianapolis Colts beat New England 38-34 in the AFC title game. "I'm very proud of being an African-American. I'm very proud of Lovie."

Smith got there first, when his Chicago Bears won the early game and the NFC title by rolling over the New Orleans Saints, 39-14.

Asked who he'd like to play on Feb. 4 in Miami, Smith didn't hesitate with his answer:

"We have to play someone and, in my perfect world, I would like to see the Colts be that team.

"Tony Dungy has done an awful lot for our game," Smith said. "He hasn't had a chance to coach in the Super Bowl."

Four hours later, it was a done deal.

"I'm happy for both coaches," Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney said. "I hope we get to the point we don't have to hear about it."

Las Vegas oddsmakers made Indianapolis the early favorite by a touchdown.

"I'll feel even better to be the first black coach to hold up the world championship trophy," Smith said.