Just before the start of the season Dolphins vice president of football shocked fans by announcing he was handing over all of his duties to General Manager Jeff Ireland. While he still remains as a "consultant" to the Dolphins and his contract with the team runs through the 2011 season, comments he made today to reporters have set off a flurry of speculation that he may be headed to yet another team, and soon.
Parcells will be inducted into the New York Giant's ring of honor on Sunday night, and while he won't be attending the ceremony, he took the occasion to host a conference call with New York reporters.
"Well that is a good question," Parcells said when questioned about his future. "I am not a sit around the fireplace guy. I don't know. I am not certain about it. We will see what happens when the time comes. I know I want to do something even if it is not day-to-day or something like that, I know I want to do something. I don't like sitting around. I like to get up and go do something. We will figure it out when the time comes."
Maybe there's too much reading into it, but it's set off rumors that Parcells is not long for Miami.
"After listening to Parcells' vague references about his future, I'd say there's about a zero percent chance he stays in Miami," tweeted Newsday NFL columnist Bob Glauber.
True, Parcells isn't known for his loyalty. He's spent time at five NFL teams, including three in the AFC East, perhaps the conference with the most heated rivalries.
I'm sure the Dolphins could find him something to do and more than likely would be happy to do so. Especially considering reports that he could leave anytime and still collect $12 million.
Considering the man once led our biggest rivals, the Jets and Pats, we're still not sure what to make of Parcells to be honest. His first year in the front office in 2008 saw one of the most dramatic season-to-season turn-arounds in NFL history, but the 'Fins still don't look like Super Bowl contenders. Anyway, with coach Tony Sparano not going anywhere and a Parcells foundation firmly in place, we aren't sure how much it'd matter if Parcells himself left.
Then again, it would be kind of a threat if he finished his tour of the AFC East and ended up with the Bills.
But Buffalo isn't a nice place to spend your golden years. Miami is certainly a nice place to end a career. Maybe Pat Riley should call him, one former legendary coach to another, and remind him of that.
