Report: Parcells Will “Stay Retired”

Bill Parcells was reportedly a candidate for the Saints' 2012 coaching vacancy

After around a month of speculation, Bill Parcells has reportedly decided to remain retired rather than take over the New Orleans Saints job in the absence of Sean Payton, who will miss the entire 2012 season due to his league-mandated, year-long suspension for his role in the cover-up of the team’s bounty scandal.

Predictably, it was announced Monday that Payton’s appeal had been denied by the league.

Parcells has since reportedly sent an email to USA Today sports’ Jarrett Bell that read simply, “Staying retired.”

Payton had met with Parcells a few times to discuss the job, and Parcells seemed to be at least somewhat open to the idea, though he suggested that he and Payton were just friends from their days in Dallas (2006-2008), and that the discussions were little more than a reflection of this friendship.

"I know people are thinking, 'There's a deal already done,' " Parcells said a couple weeks ago "But really, he's my friend. That's the first thing this is about.

"I feel an obligation, a responsibility to help him."

Well, Parcells still might help his friend--just not by replacing him for next season.

Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe, text HELP for more info, and text STOP to end the subscription. Message and data rates may apply.Read more about it here.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us