and so our off season of discontent begins

[iceberg]

I remember when the story first broke. BILL PARCELLS was coming to coach the Cowboys. I could scarcely believe it. After Dave Campo and Chan Gailey (not necessarily in that order), my beloved Cowboys were getting a "real" head coach. I couldn't wait for Bill to get to town and take charge.

Four years later, I can't wait for Bill to leave town. I am so disappointed in his performance here. Watching him on the sidelines in December caused me to believe that he couldn't lead hungry wolves to meat. And do you know why Bill can't lead this team anymore? Because the players aren't buying what Bill is selling. It appears to me that the players have lost all confidence in Parcells' game plans. Once that happens, it's extremely difficult to regain the trust that was lost.

I think that if Parcells stays, we'll see an open rebellion in the locker room; complete with finger-pointing and name-calling. This team will look like the Giants and the Commanders rolled into one.

For all of the loyal residents of the Cowboy Nation, Bill, do us a favor. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

if you're not getting better you're getting worse, isn't that a common accepted philosophy also?

this team is in dire need of leadership. if parcells decides to go again 1 more year and will go balls to the wall, great. but i've seen nothing from him to indicate so far he'll do anything other than sound lost in press conferences and look as much on the field.

i understand to a degree those who feel parcells hasn't lost it and all this wait and see is a cerebral approach to the game. maybe it is.

but to my way of thinking, we're just adrift at sea catching a good wave now and then, and getting capsized just as much. when you ask the captain why we're so lost, all you get is "i don't know"

which is why we're so lost.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

if it makes no difference in what we want, then wow - i guess we should just close up all forums and quit talking about it - i mean, what difference does it make?

Don't be silly. It makes no difference to Bill, Jerry and what they decide. However having many use that type of response never shocks me.

we disagree on the root of the problem. time will let us know hopefully who was right. i think his self-induced drama is part of our distration problems much like TO's issues are.

Maybe...I would not rule it out. For the record I never claimed I liked it. But I am not going to blow a gasket out of something I knew, Jerry knew and Bill knew would happen. I also believe he has that right to take a short time to decide.

i say if the coach doesn't give a damn, why should the players, you say the players should give 100% anyway. i still say human nature outweighs most other aspects and if your leader has no idea where he's going, that has a direct impact on who's following.

Who says the coach does not give a damn...that is your opinion not mine. There is one thing I will not question Bill on...and that is caring about football and his job. I think it eats him up inside when they don't play well. You can see it takes it's toll on him. If he did not give a damn it would not bother him. Sorry...I can question Parcells in many areas, that is not one of them. If he did not care...he would retire on the spot without thinking or automatically say he is staying to coach without thinking just to get the money. Nope...I will never question whether bill cares about the game of football. He has spent too much of his life in the game.

there's not a right or wrong in this one bp, just how we feel about it. rationalizing doesn't do much good in times like this cause we can both do it and still be on other ends of the spectrum.

Truer words have never been said. I agree 100%. But as you mentioned earlier, this is a sports forum about opinions...that means it is a two way street when I agree OR disagree with you.

i'll stand by what i said - as long as bp is our coach, we won't win a playoff game. when he gets around to finding his heart, he can prove me wrong if he likes.

Once again...If the man had no heart, he would not be in so much pain when we are losing. And i never have understood the bravado or the must be right predictions. I don't know if it is people putting it out there so they can come back way later and say...Look I was right. Or if it is just something else.
It is a sports forum, does not mean I have to like everything about them.

 

[zeromaster]

If Parcells wants to wait until February 1st, as has been circulated before, that makes 25 days from the day after the Seattle game.

I wonder how many of us can substitute that interpretation for "a few" and get away with it. Most of us have come to interpret that as a small number. In my case, probably less than 5.

Most businesses do not sit on their laurels if they expect to be successful. That said, the NFL is not most businesses. Not all the interesting parties are available, but that's not the explanation that's being floated from official sources either.

Until 7 to 10 days have passed, we may not have anything valid to complain about, other than that our own sense of urgency is somehow violated. But after 10 days, I question what sort of decision is being arrived at, and whose good it benefits.

Does anyone know what the drop-dead day for a decision is, and can provide a link to authenticate it?

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

it's global warming man - i'm telling you!

:laugh2:

Now THAT is what I like. Good old fashioned sarcastic humor.

 

[iceberg]

:laugh2:

Now THAT is what I like. Good old fashioned sarcastic humor.

it's genetic man, i'm telling you.

as for the rest - i better understand where you're coming from now and that's what talking it out is all about. i agree we knew it was coming, but it's still frustrating.

to me saying "i don't know" is something a leader should never do and parcells did it way too much. i think that has a direct effect on the team.

in any event, it's never dull in cowboys land.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

If Parcells wants to wait until February 1st, as has been circulated before, that makes 25 days from the day after the Seattle game.

I wonder how many of us can substitute that interpretation for "a few" and get away with it. Most of us have come to interpret that as a small number. In my case, probably less than 5.

Most businesses do not sit on their laurels if they expect to be successful. That said, the NFL is not most businesses. Not all the interesting parties are available, but that's not the explanation that's being floated from official sources either.

Until 7 to 10 days have passed, we may not have anything valid to complain about, other than that our own sense of urgency is somehow violated. But after 10 days, I question what sort of decision is being arrived at, and whose good it benefits.

Does anyone know what the drop-dead day for a decision is, and can provide a link to authenticate it?

I think that is fair.

The stipulation of the agreement was for the 1st.

However I don't think it needs to take that long and I don't think it will take that long.

It has not even been a week yet. I think Coach Cowher took about a week before he made his announcement if he was going to retire from the Steelers.

So If it takes to the 1st, even though that was the agreement...than that would be too long IMO and just dragging it out.

A couple of weeks would be ok in my book, and remember no matter what he decides it is not like they are doing nothing while they wait.

Word is they have contacted Dom Capers to be DC (he said no as he is looking at Miami or other HC jobs), rumor has it (have not truth at the validity of this one) they contacted Al Groh for the DC job.
They signed some PS players, they had a player in for a look see. Word is they are going to start looking at possibly getting Gurode a new contract.

So they are not just sitting around doing nothing and him taking time is hurting the team as many would like to promote.

They are going on with business and I would imagine the scouts are already getting some preliminary reports ready as well.

No FAs, unless they are already off of a team, is available at this point either so that is another area that can not be done yet.

 

[iceberg]

i'll agree that the time parcells is taking *now* is irrelevant to *next year*. but my main concern is that attitude he pulls outta his watusi every year spills over to the team and it hurt us in the stretch. indecision kills motivation.

if he doesn't know he has it in him it's only fair the team reflects that.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

it's genetic man, i'm telling you.

as for the rest - i better understand where you're coming from now and that's what talking it out is all about. i agree we knew it was coming, but it's still frustrating.

to me saying "i don't know" is something a leader should never do and parcells did it way too much. i think that has a direct effect on the team.

in any event, it's never dull in cowboys land.

I don't know (ducks):laugh2:

I think when someone flat out lays it all out as simple as it can be and tells them that these next few games determine if we go or not...no two ways about it.

And that still does not motivate them enough to go out and perform at a high level. I would probably have to say...I just don't know.

I mean I can understand the Nola game...they flat out got out coached on that one.

But some of these other games, whether they had the right scheme or not it was clear to me that there were some players on the team that just did not give 100%.

I don't know if they did not because they just did not pay attention, thought they did not have to pay attention, thought they could just go out and turn on a switch or what.

However if you lay out a plan, if you tell them this is an important game, if you tell them this could make or break us...even go so far as to say it in the press before hand in order to show it's importance and you still get some players putting on that performance...well the human side of you just has to throw your head back, roll your eyes and think I just don't know.

That does not mean you stop trying...but to me when he said that, in the way he said that, with the frustration of how he said that...It seemed like the few times we seen a persons real emotions without hiding them.

Does not mean I like it, does not mean it is right, but to me that was real honesty and emotion without a mask on.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

i'll agree that the time parcells is taking *now* is irrelevant to *next year*. but my main concern is that attitude he pulls outta his watusi every year spills over to the team and it hurt us in the stretch. indecision kills motivation.

if he doesn't know he has it in him it's only fair the team reflects that.

Commitment, if he says I just don't have it in me and I have to retire.
Good.
If he says, ok no turning back now I made up my mind and it means I am here to give it my all for the next season...good.

As long as it is honest and thought out.

He is no spring chicken, he is not someone like Spurrier who feels he can just put a few hours in, he is not in the best health, you can tell the ups and downs really takes their toll on his mind and body.

So, it is not something that should be entered into lightly IMO.

However I do think this much...once he makes the decision and commits...he will stick with that. It is a year by year thing though. And I don't think anyone can say they are shocked.

I still remember season the media has planted that seed that Jerry and Bill would not be able to last the season...yet so far every year he has been back.

We speculate, we give our opinions...but we are not in those shoes.

Think how much a season, an up and down or a down season takes a toll on us as fans. One minute we are cheering and at the top of the world, the next minute we are cussing and so mad we could spit fire. We come onto a message board and vent or cheer, we debate this and that.

But how about if we are at the complex more hours than many work at their jobs. Think of how it would be if we were that age, think of how it would be if we knew a person and thought they were a great person but we have to have them fired, think of how we would feel if we really liked a person and they got a terrible injury, think of how it would feel knowing MILLIONS of fans would be dissapointed. Think how it would feel knowing no matter if it was a players fault you would get the brunt of the attacks. Think of how it would feel just hitting a low point of a loss and then HAVING to go out and talk to pack of vultures that is the media.

It Has to take a toll on a person...a little time to consider if you want to go through another year of that is not too much to ask IMO.

 

[iceberg]

i'm not saying every time saying "i don't know" is bad. i'm saying parcells has done it too often in too many situations and i've never seen him come back with a plan to deal with it later.

it's just "i don't know" all over again.

you can tell the team it's an important game all the time and i'm sure he did. but you've got to believe in what you're doing to the point people will blindly follow because they believe YOU believe it.

i don't think parcells "believes" what he says. i don't think he's willing to put it all on the line and give it everything he has anymore.

we need that now. badly.

been a good convo, bp. thanks!

 

[iceberg]

maybe it's not too much to ask, but it's also fair to question long term committment if you have to make it on a regular basis.

 

[superpunk]

it's global warming man - i'm telling you!

*we didn't listen*

WE DIDN'T LISTEN!!!!!!

 

[Frosty]

Either JJ and Bill are working together or Bill Parcells is playing poker with Jerry Jones... Just cut the cord JJ and send BPs butt packing....Al Groh rumors are in left field and JJ can not get Don Capers because of Bill Parcells. no brainer Bye Bill..
I dont like this drama with BP every year make him commit... JJ now or never..

Were is Rex Ryan.....get it right this time the franchise needs leadership....the right leadership....not this BS

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I don't know (ducks):laugh2:

I think when someone flat out lays it all out as simple as it can be and tells them that these next few games determine if we go or not...no two ways about it.

And that still does not motivate them enough to go out and perform at a high level. I would probably have to say...I just don't know.

I mean I can understand the Nola game...they flat out got out coached on that one.

But some of these other games, whether they had the right scheme or not it was clear to me that there were some players on the team that just did not give 100%.

I don't know if they did not because they just did not pay attention, thought they did not have to pay attention, thought they could just go out and turn on a switch or what.

However if you lay out a plan, if you tell them this is an important game, if you tell them this could make or break us...even go so far as to say it in the press before hand in order to show it's importance and you still get some players putting on that performance...well the human side of you just has to throw your head back, roll your eyes and think I just don't know.

That does not mean you stop trying...but to me when he said that, in the way he said that, with the frustration of how he said that...It seemed like the few times we seen a persons real emotions without hiding them.

Does not mean I like it, does not mean it is right, but to me that was real honesty and emotion without a mask on.

Every one has come across a situation or two in their lives that mirror where Parcells is. Some times no matter what the big dog says, the puppy's don't listen. They hear it, they see it, they just don't do it.
After a while you run out of options. I don't think he ever gave up, not half as much as the players on this team did.

Honestly, I would have to evaluate if I wanted to bang my head against that wall again too.

 

[CliffnDallas]

These are the times that try men's souls...

When's the draft again? :bang2:

 

[cowboyed]

That's how I feel also. The grind of an NFL season is over, and it must be really draining to be a head football coach, ESPECIALLY for the Cowboys...

Take a few steps back now, do some reflections, see where you are (he has until Feb 1 per Jerra) and then make a decision. Let the fog clear a little, because it's not us fans that have to make that decision, it's Parcells...so let him have some time...it's only been 6 days since the season ended...let him and the team chill for awhile, because this is a decision that you cannot make on the spur of the moment...because if he makes the wrong choice without thinking it completely through, it could end up being the WRONG decision...

I am sorry I just don't have the same reverence for Coach Man-Boobala as some of you guys. You don't see comparatively older coaches such as Bellichick or Shottenheimer going through these annual let me think about next season rituals.

Parcells gets compensated exceptionally well and thus far he has delivered team underachieving seasons highlighted by December team crashes and burns.

I found it disgusting that Jones raised his compensation last year after three years of failed expectations. I will seriously consider joining the Hare Krishna sect if Jones ups the ante to keep Coach Man-Boobala an additional year.

This past season we had the opportunity to rise in the middling NFC and instead were brought to the edge of the cliff after losing the first Giants game. Then we were pushed over the cliff after being pummeled in that Saints game. Thereafter, we inexcusably lost games that had us hitting the jutting rocks and cliff ledges all the way down to the bottom.

To add insult to injury, Payton a first year Saints head coach burdened with adding new coaching staff and player personnel, drafted astutely, acquired good free agent personnel and on both offense and defense, honed his team into a highly competitive and focused unit. Please note this is in a city, state and stadium still rebuilding from the physical and economic ravages of Hurricane Katrina.

What continues amazing me to no end is that a sure fire Hall of Fame coach could not anticipate nor adjust to a Dallas Cowboy former offensive coordinator's game plan in one of the most pivotal contests of the season.

And here we are yet waiting again for Coach Man-Boobala to make up his mind whether he will come back or not. I have more respect for Chan Gailey and even Dave Campo than this washed up self righteous scammer. Both these guys took the heavy brunt of a declining team due to the salary cap and free agency. Yet Campo and Gailey were saddled with obviously higher winning expectations than Parcells while contending with less talented players and coaching staff.

Jones fired Gailey after he got us into the first round of the playoffs two years in a row but Parcells keeps getting free passes to Camp Mediocrity while enjoing unparalled compensation with annual raises while falling short of expectations.

These days fans have no choice but to reflect on Parcells with severely jaundiced eyes. May the head coaching change come sooner than later.

 

[mmohican29]

I think it's clear Parcells returns at this point. Say what you will about BP, but I think he's a bigger human being than to leave the team on the fence as he has. He cares about his players too much to leave them in a crisis mode like this one.

If you bring up New England and the Jets- those were two very different ballclubs than the one we have right now. They were pretty much mature teams that didn't have a first year starting QB, both experienced play off success, and both gave BP different ownership of the team.

This is his team, he needs to coach/fix this thing and he knows it. He owes it to the Cowboys, and I just don't see him leaving town with his tail between his legs with excuses in tow.

One more round Bill. Come on. Let's get it right this time.

 

[cowboyed]

I think it's clear Parcells returns at this point. Say what you will about BP, but I think he's a bigger human being than to leave the team on the fence as he has. He cares about his players too much to leave them in a crisis mode like this one.

If you bring up New England and the Jets- those were two very different ballclubs than the one we have right now. They were pretty much mature teams that didn't have a first year starting QB, both experienced play off success, and both gave BP different ownership of the team.

This is his team, he needs to coach/fix this thing and he knows it. He owes it to the Cowboys, and I just don't see him leaving town with his tail between his legs with excuses in tow.

One more round Bill. Come on. Let's get it right this time.

I would never ridicule your support of him but how undeserving is Parcells of your devotion. If it was that evident he was coming back then why shouldn't he just say so and take a mini-vacation. Would make more sense wouldn't it than perhaps posturing for another return related raise. I guess $ 5.5 million per year barely keeps the lights on in the Parcells household.

If you are looking forward to the return of Parcells after year after year of last half of the season letdowns and failure, well here is to you. I am hoping you are an employer because I would love to come to work for you in a key management position, appreciably underachieve, tell you at the end of each employment year that I will need about 3 weeks to think about coming back, and after electing to work another year for you I insist on an extension and a 15% raise.

In the process I also drive away upwardly mobile, promotable assistant managers and make sure they never voice their ideas and opinions to others outside of my management realm. They go work for the competition and take away serious marketshare at the most inopportune moment.

 

[iceberg]

Every one has come across a situation or two in their lives that mirror where Parcells is. Some times no matter what the big dog says, the puppy's don't listen. They hear it, they see it, they just don't do it.
After a while you run out of options. I don't think he ever gave up, not half as much as the players on this team did.

Honestly, I would have to evaluate if I wanted to bang my head against that wall again too.

except it's not a situation or two - it's every year.