Report: Saints Coach Asks Parcells To Take Over Team
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The last time the NFL saw Bill Parcells, he was leaving the mess that is the Miami Dolphins behind and heading for a cushy television job. But, Parcells may be coming back to the league, again.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has approached Parcells about coaching the Saints this season. Payton has been suspended for the season after failing to end the bounty program the team ran for injuring opponents.
The Saints are Super Bowl contenders as long as Drew Brees and the offense continue firing on all cylinders. Bringing in Parcells would give the team a two-time Super Bowl winning coach who has previously said he's burned out and didn't want to come back to coaching.
Payton, along with Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, and New York Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano all cut their teeth in coaching under Parcells. The only reason Ireland and Sparano were brought to Miami was that they were Parcells boys.
But, there could be a hithc in getting Parcells on the sidelines, even if he is interested. The Saints would have to interview a minority candidate if they hire outside of the organization, like Parcells, according to profootballtalk.com. If they hired an internal candidate for the year, they wouldn't have to comply with the Rooney Rule.
If the Saints can't convince Parcells to take over the team, defensive coordinator Steve Spanuolo or offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Jr. could take over while Payton is away.