Mort Stands Behind His Story On Parcells Contemplating Retirement...

[CaptainAmerica]

...on ESPNews Mort was on and asked again about his report Saturday that Parcells is contemplating retirement.

Mort said he heard Parcells post-game comments, but noticed that although Parcells was angry about being asked about it at the time, Parcells didn't deny it. Mort further said, "I know for a fact he's contemplating retirement."

Mort finished by saying he's not saying Parcells is retiring, because he knows Parcells likes this team, but it's definitely something he's considering.

Frankly, the report is not surprising in light of the rigors of the long season, Parcells' age and most importantly, the death of his brother earlier this year.

As for me, I do get frustrated with Parcells at times, particularly the conservative approach he brings at certain points in a ballgame, (like the first Skins game with 5 minutes to go when we were up 10-0 at the Skins 15 yard line, the Seahawk game after our last INT, and even the last drive at Carolina this past Saturday when he obviously plays for the FG instead of attacking the end zone and going for the kill), but I do not want to see Parcells retire. I think he's restored a solid football foundation to our organization and he needs to finish the job.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I would be shocked if a guy his age did not consider whether he wanted to do it again. However, the way it comes out, it is like he is going to retire.

[lkelly]

I'm sure Parcells considers retirement after every season. All old coaches do. That's no great stretch by Mort.

The only thing that matters is what conclusion they come to after thinking about it. It becomes an actual news story when Mort reports that he IS going to retire.

[CaptainAmerica]

I would be shocked if a guy his age did not consider whether he wanted to do it again. However, the way it comes out, it is like he is going to retire.


Agree. The report really shouldn't be surprising, but a report like that will always bring the reaction that the reporter is saying he's gone after this year.

Really it's a non-story until he decides to retire. I just wanted to let everyone know what Mort said this afternoon.

[jcblanco22]

Mort is still bitter that BP didn't give him the story about his return to coaching first... :D

[MichaelWinicki]

I think he's going to retire.

[big dog cowboy]

Lets see if Mort backpeddles some on Monday night countdown.

[morasp]

If his heart isn't in it I wouldn't want him to come back just to finish a contract. I do think we are very close to a Super Bowl and that would be the ultimate way to go out. When you get to be that age though you probably start to have a little bigger perspective.

[SkinsandTerps]

Nothing would surprise me at this point.

[DeWare94]

isn't dick vermeil like 79 or something?

[big dog cowboy]

Mort just made an idiot of himself on Sportscenter by saying the chances of him retiring is 6 to 7 on a scale of 10 then said he wouldn't be surprised to see him back. Nothing like buttering both sides of the bread.

[AsthmaField]

Its what the media does after a loss... particularyl a loss of the magnitude of the Washington loss... when the coach is older and has a history of leaving suddenly.

Like someone else in the thread said... I'd be surprised if Parcells didn't at least think about it... and I'd be more surprised if the media didn't make a point of talking about it.

I think it's a typical story that isn't a newsworth story.

Besides, although Parcells didn't deny it, he did say something to the effect of, "Where do you guys come up with this stuff?" That certainly implies that it isn't a big deal in Bill's mind. In conversation a lot of things are implied when you're not on the witness stand under oath. When someone says something that is completely untrue, I might say something like, "What the heck makes you think that?" What I'm saying in that instance is that not only is it not true... but it's a little silly to think that.

[WoodysGirl]

I think he's going to retire.I'm sure he will too...


eventually.

I think it's just a matter of letting everything play itself out.

Should he leave after this season, the rebuilding will be incomplete, but I do think we're in much better shape than when he arrived...

I'd hate for him to leave, but seeing as I'm pushing my folks to retire and they're not even in their 60s, I wouldn't be too surprised if he does... He's had a good career whatever folks think about him. He deserves a rest or two..

Tho Ditka on Monday Morning Quarterback said he thinks he's coming back. And then joked, "What is he gonna do? Become an analyst? There's enuff of us already."

[Sarge]

I think he's going to retire.

I think he returns next year........

[SA_Gunslinger]

this is making me quite nervous.

i just have one simple question for all you parcells haters. who is your replacement?

cuz i can't think of one coach i'd rather have. and if you can not either, than i have trouble respecting your opinion. especially considering what BP has dug us out from.

[Cbz40]

I think he returns as well.......just because Winicki say he wont. lol

[SkinsandTerps]

I sure dont hate Parcells but I do think he gets a lot of love for not winning the big one over the past 15 or so years.

Who would replace him would be very interesting. Brian Billick perhaps...haha

[SDogo]

this is making me quite nervous.

i just have one simple question for all you parcells haters. who is your replacement?

cuz i can't think of one coach i'd rather have. and if you can not either, than i have trouble respecting your opinion. especially considering what BP has dug us out from.

Jimmy Johnson, Greg Williams, Brad Childress, Ron Rivera and Kirk Ferentz would be a good place to start

[Murph80]

If there is no chance of Jimmy coming back I would assume that Sean Payton will be our next head coach. I believe Payton will be a good head coach in this league. The Raiders about took him from us a few years back.

If Jimmy Johnson were to come back don't be suprised if he brought back Norv, Avezzano and possibly Butch Davis.

[WoodysGirl]

I sure dont hate Parcells but I do think he gets a lot of love for not winning the big one over the past 15 or so years. we could say the same about Gibbs, but that's neither here nor there... :)



Who would replace him would be very interesting. Brian Billick perhaps...haharead a blurb today that Billick and Boller have been given a year of reprieve. But color me not impressed by Billick...

FWIW, BP doesn't get as much luv as he did when he first arrived here. That said, I don't think many can really deny that alot of the changes he's made organization-wide have been for the better. No his job hasn't been perfect, but considering where the Cowboys were pre-BP and where they are now... like night and day...

[SouthernStar]

If his heart isn't in it I wouldn't want him to come back just to finish a contract. Don't worry about that. Parcells doesn't finish contracts. He has left three different teams early. Leaving us would be just another one.....

[Mansta54]

He'll be BACK!!! He hasn't finished what he started and he's real close...

[Zman5]

I think he comes back next year but calls it quits after that.

[Clove]

If he makes the playoffs, no way he quits until next year. I don't see him coaching after next season.

[wileedog]

This end of every year ritual is getting very, very tired.

And Mort is just covering his a$$. He's in a no lose scenario - all he said was that Bill was *considering* retiring. Whether Bill does or not he can't get called on it or held accountable. BUt if for some reason Bill does he can claim he 'knew' about it first.

[Wolverine]

Parcells is to close to having this a Super Bowl team to retire. If he retires it will be after next season. I dont see him leaving a team that is almost there.

[Qwickdraw]

Nothing would spoil my New Year more than to find out my favorite coach of all time, who just happens to coach my favorite team of all time, is in fact retiring. And earlier than expected.

On the flipside, nothing would brighten my New Year more than to learn he is extending his contract.

[Qwickdraw]

This end of every year ritual is getting very, very tired.

And Mort is just covering his a$$. He's in a no lose scenario - all he said was that Bill was *considering* retiring. Whether Bill does or not he can't get called on it or held accountable. BUt if for some reason Bill does he can claim he 'knew' about it first.
Exactly.

[Maikeru-sama]

I really wouldnt be surprised to see the guy leave. From what I understand, he has never to the end of his contract. Also, not accepting an extension is not all that big of a deal as it really does'nt give him more power or change anything besides the contract.

History has told us this guy has left jobs before and people were surprised.

History has also told us this doesn't walk away from a team until he has turned them around. Giants, Pats, and Jets were better teams when he left them. Now when you say "better", the it really just one man's opinion. Some fans will say he has business to finish, other fans say that he has already made us better and could still walk away with no holes in Armour as a Great Coach that can turn any franchise around.

Look at his age and also, I dont know why someone like Mort, who works in the PC world and you have to always be somewhat careful about what you write and say on TV would come out and just make this story up with no teeth.

Man, I would not be surprised. With is brother dying and his health (look at his weight (not being funny here), when you are his size at that age man, it could really be dangerous healthwise). Some people said he was really different after the loss to the Redskins last week.

I am just scared that we need to get ready to start calling Zimmy Head Coach instead of "Villiage Idiot" :banghead: .

[CaptainAmerica]

The factor that none of us can understand is the incredibly exhausting effort Parcells puts into his job. It takes TOTAL dedication to do it and if he's tired or there is doubt about whether he wants to continue, it makes his job impossible to do well.

At his age it's not as easy as we make it sound to just say "he will be back for another year".

[Maikeru-sama]

The factor that none of us can understand is the incredibly exhausting effort Parcells puts into his job. It takes TOTAL dedication to do it and if he's tired or there is doubt about whether he wants to continue, it makes his job impossible to do well.

At his age it's not as easy as we make it sound to just say "he will be back for another year".

Yep. And just like being Prez of the United States, man losing has a tendency to make one age even faster.

I would not be surprised at all. I think all these roller coaster games and especially the Skins debacle really made him think.

I need his arse to stay one more year, knock out our draft, teach Ware and the others some things and Jerruh can takeover from there :lmao2: .

- Mike G.

[TheSkaven]

The old school coaches like Parcells, Gibbs, Schottenheimer, etc, they almost always have their team ready to play, they impart great knowledge upon their teams (coach em up) and have great in-game adjustments.

But the style of play, the conservative run the ball and keep the game close in the 4th quarter, it doesn't play well in the NFL anymore. When you have close games, you tend to lose a few that you should win. I could cite some 10 games this season in the NFL, games like the fluke Eagles win over the Chargers on the blocked field goal. If Schott goes for the throat instead of settling for field goals and playing defense that can't happen.

So I guess basically what I'm saying is, I want Parcells the coach in training camp, leading up to the game and even on game day but, if he comes back, I'd really like to see him hand more of the game planning and play calling on offense to Sean Payton.

[TonyS]

Something we might all be forgetting is Parcells' desire to win the big one without Belicheck to get the monkey off of his back.

I think if we win against St. Louis, he gives it one more year. If we lose and look like we're unprepared and he loses confidence, then I think he's going to the happy hunting ground.

But, if he thinks this team is a good O-line & FS away from contending, he will stick it out one more year. Gotta remember Parcells loves the horses.

[Murph80]

I totaly agree Skaven. He should let Payton be in control of the offense without constantly jumping in. Payton can run this offense if he was given a chance. Payton would open it up like everyone wants. Bill just wants to run the ball and be consrvative.

[wileedog]

But the style of play, the conservative run the ball and keep the game close in the 4th quarter, it doesn't play well in the NFL anymore.
Nonsense. It doesn't play well with people who live for fantasy football.

Bill Bellichick and his 3 rings however will tell you that the play it close to the vest, depend on time of possession and your defense game still plays well in this league. Bill Cowher and John Fox would agree.

[Alexander]

Something we might all be forgetting is Parcells' desire to win the big one without Belicheck to get the monkey off of his back.

I strongly doubt Coach Parcells views this is a "monkey".

[yesfan]

As for me, I do get frustrated with Parcells at times, particularly the conservative approach he brings at certain points in a ballgame, (like the first Skins game with 5 minutes to go when we were up 10-0 at the Skins 15 yard line, the Seahawk game after our last INT, and even the last drive at Carolina this past Saturday when he obviously plays for the FG instead of attacking the end zone and going for the kill), but I do not want to see Parcells retire. I think he's restored a solid football foundation to our organization and he needs to finish the job.

I agree,big mistake to let this man retire.You can sense the fire
that's building in this team.

[TheSkaven]

Nonsense. It doesn't play well with people who live for fantasy football.

Bill Bellichick and his 3 rings however will tell you that the play it close to the vest, depend on time of possession and your defense game still plays well in this league. Bill Cowher and John Fox would agree.Belichick doesn't play old school football. His squads play as a team but they score points. Listening to the broadcast tonight, Belichick apparently said it's not about running the ball but running it and making yards.

Does this seem like a coach who plays it close to the vest? Only two games decided by a field goal and (big surprise) he lost one of them.

Patriots 2004 Schedule

Sep 9 Indianapolis Won 27-24
Sep 19 @Arizona Won 23-12
Oct 3 @Buffalo Won 31-17
Oct 10 Miami Won 24-10
Oct 17 Seattle Won 30-20
Oct 24 N.Y. Jets Won 13-7
Oct 31 @Pittsburgh Lost 20-34
Nov 7 @St. Louis Won 40-22
Nov 14 Buffalo Won 29-6
Nov 22 @Kansas City Won 27-19
Nov 28 Baltimore Won 24-3
Dec 5 @Cleveland Won 42-15
Dec 12 Cincinnati Won 35-28
Dec 20 @Miami Lost 28-29
Dec 26 @N.Y. Jets Won 23-7
Jan 2 San Francisco Won 21-7

[TheSkaven]

As for me, I do get frustrated with Parcells at times, particularly the conservative approach he brings at certain points in a ballgame, (like the first Skins game with 5 minutes to go when we were up 10-0 at the Skins 15 yard line, the Seahawk game after our last INT, and even the last drive at Carolina this past Saturday when he obviously plays for the FG instead of attacking the end zone and going for the kill), but I do not want to see Parcells retire. I think he's restored a solid football foundation to our organization and he needs to finish the job.How about, even in this latest Carolina game, kicking a field goal with 7 seconds left on the clock, second down, 1 timeout and the ball at the Carolina 13? You don't take at least one shot there?

[wileedog]

Belichick doesn't play old school football. His squads play as a team but they score points. Listening to the broadcast tonight, Belichick apparently said it's not about running the ball but running it and making yards.

Does this seem like a coach who plays it close to the vest? Only two games decided by a field goal and (big surprise) he lost one of them.

Patriots 2004 Schedule

Sep 9 Indianapolis Won 27-24
Sep 19 @Arizona Won 23-12
Oct 3 @Buffalo Won 31-17
Oct 10 Miami Won 24-10
Oct 17 Seattle Won 30-20
Oct 24 N.Y. Jets Won 13-7
Oct 31 @Pittsburgh Lost 20-34
Nov 7 @St. Louis Won 40-22
Nov 14 Buffalo Won 29-6
Nov 22 @Kansas City Won 27-19
Nov 28 Baltimore Won 24-3
Dec 5 @Cleveland Won 42-15
Dec 12 Cincinnati Won 35-28
Dec 20 @Miami Lost 28-29
Dec 26 @N.Y. Jets Won 23-7
Jan 2 San Francisco Won 21-7


A balanced offense will score points without taking risks. Belichick doesn't air it out or throw 4 or 5 guys into the pattern regularly.

Like Parcells, he relies on 2 or 3 guys in running routes with good protection and he's blessed with a QB with good pocket presence. Before adding Dillon last year, he had trouble running so he depended on the short pass, but the NE offense was NEVER a spread offense like St. Louis,

The point is what Parcells wants is exactly what Belichick strives for. A good balance of run and pass with pass plays that afford appropriate protection for the QB without risking turnovers. Both love TOP. Both believe that first you build a dominating defense, then you compliment it with an offense.

Belichick plays the same game, with some tweaks based on available skills, as Parcells. The difference in where each team is in talent.

Our problem this year has not been pass protection or conservative play calling. It has been the inability to consistently run the ball.

[mr.jameswoods]

Parcells is different than many coaches in that he admitted to choosing football over his wife and family life. He puts more into coaching than anyone else which is why it tasks him more than other coaches. It's a big reason why he takes hiatuses every 3 or 4 years; it's because no coach can't coach at the intensity he prefers over a long period of time. His didn't come back to rebuild a team; he came back to win a Superbowl. I think he realizes that winning a Superbowl will take at least another 2 seasons if not more which is why he is probably contemplating retiring. Parcells is probably not sure if he has the energy to coach at the intensity he likes for 3-4 more years if he doesn't foresee a Superbowl.

[CaptainAmerica]

Parcells is different than many coaches in that he admitted to choosing football over his wife and family life. He puts more into coaching than anyone else which is why it tasks him more than other coaches. It's a big reason why he takes hiatuses every 3 or 4 years; it's because no coach can't coach at the intensity he prefers over a long period of time. His didn't come back to rebuild a team; he came back to win a Superbowl. I think he realizes that winning a Superbowl will take at least another 2 seasons if not more which is why he is probably contemplating retiring. Parcells is probably not sure if he has the energy to coach at the intensity he likes for 3-4 more years if he doesn't foresee a Superbowl.

You hit on a point I've been thinking about. Parcells is an incredibly intelligent football mind. He realizes our deficiencies better than any of us and he knows what he can improve upon and control. I believe he sees Bledsoe's weaknesses and lack of game to game consistency in the pocket and realizes that although Bledsoe is the best option available to us right now, we simply don't stack up against the elite teams with the elite QBs like Manning, Brady, Palmer, etc.

That is what will make it much more difficult to win a SB in the next couple of years and I believe deep in his heart Parcells know this. Madden asked him how long it would take to turn it around and Parcells told him it depended on the QB position. I don't see us being able to compete with the elite teams at that position in the next couple of years.

[TheSkaven]

A balanced offense will score points without taking risks. Belichick doesn't air it out or throw 4 or 5 guys into the pattern regularlyActually, little Bill does run four wide receivers quite often. He likes to run out of that formation too.

The points you make are valid, I'm only saying sometimes the gameplan needs to be a bit more aggressive. Every game should not be decided by a field goal, that's called playing down to the competition. There are games that the Cowboys dominated this year but lost, like the first Redskins game and the Seahawk game, simply because Bill decided a 10-3 or 10-0 lead was good enough and didn't go for the throat.

I truly like him as a coach and hope he comes back, but I hope next year he can have enough confidence in the o-line to open the offense up some and keep us out of all these close games.

[wileedog]

There are games that the Cowboys dominated this year but lost, like the first Redskins game and the Seahawk game, simply because Bill decided a 10-3 or 10-0 lead was good enough and didn't go for the throat.

And once again the decision to "go for the throat" does not guarantee success.

The Redskins would not have been won without a missed 41 year FG or a holding call negating a 17 yard completion that would have iced the game, or several other failures of execution.

The 'horrible' game plan put us in a situation where the Redskins needed to hit two 40+ yards TDs in the final 3 minutes to win the game. Despite the outcome, I will take those odds every day and twice on Sunday. The fact that it didn't happen doesn't mean it wasn't the right plan.

[odog422]

im with winicki. i think his ultimate goal, as every coach, was to win a superbowl. however, i dont think he would consider it a failed job by leaving now. as he himself said, this is a much better team than when he arrived. hes improved the talent base with an infusion of youth and set this team up for future success.

i dont think he gives two s**** about the belichick "monkey," nor do i think hes worred about being viewed as "not finishing the job." i believe more than anything it would be bc he cannot take the toll of another season at his age, the way he lives each game.

[Taz]

everyone says they want jimmy but i think our next coach will be zimmer

[Cowchips]

Like Parcells said to the press..go write a story about Mort, he seems to be the one beggin for coverage :D

[mr.jameswoods]

i dont think he gives two s**** about the belichick "monkey," nor do i think hes worred about being viewed as "not finishing the job." i believe more than anything it would be bc he cannot take the toll of another season at his age, the way he lives each game.

I agree with the statement wholeheartedly. What makes Parcells great is his attention to detail and his incessant demanding of perfection. That really takes more energy than being the manager-type coach who relies on his assistants and is more of a motivational speaker/PR man(Dennis Green, Brian Billick).

I think if our QB and offensive line was more solidified, this wouldn't even be an issue. I think if the Cowboys make the playoffs and present a strong showing by winning one round, he would probably not retire.

And I do think there is something to his refusal to adamantly state he is not retiring. I don't think it's just a case of him trying to spite the media.

[CoCo]

And I do think there is something to his refusal to adamantly state he is not retiring. I don't think it's just a case of him trying to spite the media.

I think people get WAY too hung up on what is said publicly. Parcells is the definition of playing it close to the vest.

I think if you just step back and assess the facts of the situation it makes perfect sense for Parcells to be on the fence about his return next year. Lots of good comments here about the toll it takes on Bill and the logic behind him counting the cost at this point.

[REDVOLUTION]

Mort just made an idiot of himself on Sportscenter by saying the chances of him retiring is 6 to 7 on a scale of 10 then said he wouldn't be surprised to see him back. Nothing like buttering both sides of the bread.

Watch BP not retire and/or sign a contract extension just to show Mort and everyone that they were wrong and dont know sh** LOL

[CrazyCowboy]

...on ESPNews Mort was on and asked again about his report Saturday that Parcells is contemplating retirement.

Mort said he heard Parcells post-game comments, but noticed that although Parcells was angry about being asked about it at the time, Parcells didn't deny it. Mort further said, "I know for a fact he's contemplating retirement."

Mort finished by saying he's not saying Parcells is retiring, because he knows Parcells likes this team, but it's definitely something he's considering.

Frankly, the report is not surprising in light of the rigors of the long season, Parcells' age and most importantly, the death of his brother earlier this year.

As for me, I do get frustrated with Parcells at times, particularly the conservative approach he brings at certain points in a ballgame, (like the first Skins game with 5 minutes to go when we were up 10-0 at the Skins 15 yard line, the Seahawk game after our last INT, and even the last drive at Carolina this past Saturday when he obviously plays for the FG instead of attacking the end zone and going for the kill), but I do not want to see Parcells retire. I think he's restored a solid football foundation to our organization and he needs to finish the job.

Where there is smoke, usually fire shows up huh?

[CrazyCowboy]

BP will take us to the SB.....he is not going anywhere anytime soon!

[Taz]

I think someone a couple days ago posted that a mexican channel confirmed that he would retire don't recall the thread title though

[InmanRoshi]

Where there is smoke, usually fire shows up huh?

Except when someone is blowing the smoke.

[Clove]

everyone says they want jimmy but i think our next coach will be zimmerJimmy will never do that again. With the personell we have, he would go with a coach that can coach the 3-4, and has a name and track record.

But back to what one poster was saying about Bills conservative coaching. If Bill had a Kansas City chiefs type OLine or gets one, and he had a WR (other than Glenn) that could get deep at will, I'll guarantee you we would put up 30 points a game.

Bill knew what he had in his OLine, and he also knows his restrictions on stretching the filed. If we know that Key is a short range receiver (better in the slot, or on cross the field routes which takes time to complete) he knows he has a speedster in Glenn (but if you double team him then what) and he knows he has a nice player in Crayton ( but can be covered 1 on 1 ). If we know all of this, don't you think Bill knows this.

Why would he run a 4 WR set, when the chances of getting the pass off without his QB getting sacked or sack/fumble? Why would he not run the ball even though he knows there is no running room? Because if he didn't run the ball, then teams would load up and kill Bledsoe, and thus continually giving offense short yardage, having us getting blown out most of the time.