Tuna Swims For New Waters

After weeks of "will he stay or will he go" questions, Bill Parcells has decided to step down as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. The Bill Parcells four year plan didn't work in Dallas as it had in the past with the Giants and Patriots. He guided both of those franchises to the Super Bowl in his fourth year. His tenure with the Jets only lasted three years, so the theory had held its weight until the 2006 campaign in Dallas. With the emergence of Tony Romo around mid-season, prognosticators loaded up on the Cowboys bandwagon. However, a combination of late season struggles by the "next big quarterback" and a suspect defense tumbled big D out of first place in the NFC East. Romo's botched hold on a potential game winning field goal sent the 'Boys to a first round playoff exit.

Most NFL insiders are speculating that contractual issues led to his third retirement. While that is certainly feasible, many other problems were present. First of all, it is no secret that his relationship with "the player" was tenuous at best. It is being reported that Parcells often referred to T.O in coaches meetings as "his highness". The old school coach was often visibly irritated by Owens' charades. Furthermore, and this may just be optimism stemming from a division rival, Parcells' may not feel he has a true contender. Romo became a bit exposed as team's kept him in the pocket and he had trouble holding on to the football. There is a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but Romo may not be as good as advertised. No matter what the reasons, Parcells will not return to sidelines in 2007. With his track record of coming back from definite retirememts it is not unfathomable that Parcells will coach again one day. However, he's not getting any younger and may finally be ready to call it a career. His two championships with the New York Football Giants should be enough to earn him a spot in Canton.