NFL: Parcells leaves Dallas
January 24, 2007
Bill Parcells is retiring … again. For the third time in his career, the coach is leaving the game, this time vacating his post as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Parcells was 34-32 in his four years at the helm. Known for his ability to turn around teams in dire straits, took over the Cowboys after the team had finished 5-11 for three consecutive seasons. Parcells guided Dallas to the postseason twice, but the team departed in the first round both times. Parcells will continue to meet with Dallas owner Jerry Jones to discuss the transitional period of the franchise, though will not be involved in the search for his successor.
“Physically, I could still do it,” Parcells told ESPN’s Ed Werder. “But, mentally, this is a 12-month-a-year job and I’ve been doing it since 1964. It was time to stop. I just have to let go.”
For his career, Parcells ranks ninth on the NFL’s all-time wins list, finishing with a record of 183-138-1 in 19 seasons with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys. He won two Super Bowls, XXI and XXV, with the Giants, and took the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI. In his time with the Jets, it took Parcells just two seasons to take a 1-15 team and guide them to a 12-4 record, their first AFC East title, and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.