Football: Parcells is full steam ahead
Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer
Bill Parcells learned long ago that being a head coach in the NFL wasn't conducive to a stress-free lifestyle.
"You feel pressure all the time," Parcells said. "I don't think there is one guy coaching in this business that doesn't feel pressure.
"I don't care if you won the Super Bowl an hour ago, it turns right then, and you start thinking. I know. I've been there."
Twice, in fact. And at age 65, Parcells appears ready to drive himself to the point of exhaustion to return — this time with the Dallas Cowboys.
"This is my life's work," Parcells said in July just before the start of his 19th training camp as an NFL head coach.
Most league observers bet against Parcells fulfilling the four-year deal he received from owner Jerry Jones in January 2003.
"He'll clash with Jerry and leave after a year," pundits said.
Others predicted Parcells would run out of energy trying to rebuild a team that last won a playoff game in 1996.
But Parcells, who guided the New York Giants to Super Bowl victories after the 1986 and 1990 seasons, shows no signs of slowing down after signing a two-year extension in the offseason that's worth about $11 million.
"I think it's good for business, particularly in the acquisition of players, for them to get the feeling the coach is going to be there for a while," Parcells said in May. "When you get to be my age, things can happen. But I have to tell you, I like it very much here in Dallas."
It helps that he has a good relationship with Jones.
"I get tremendous support all of the time," said Parcells, who is 25-23 with the Cowboys.
Jones said it's easy to be supportive of a coach driven to be the best.
"Without a doubt, Bill is one of the biggest reasons I'm excited about this season and have the enthusiasm I have," Jones said. "His energy level, his leadership, the continuity we have — all of this has me really fired up about what we have a chance to accomplish."
The Cowboys, who open the season Sunday in Jacksonville, are expected to compete for the NFC East Division title. Some prognosticators even say a Super Bowl run is possible if mercurial receiver Terrell Owens behaves.
But Parcells seems more interested in his younger players. Some of his most animated moments with the media have come when he's been asked about the development of linebacker DeMarcus Ware, tight end Jason Witten and cornerback Terence Newman.
"I've got a good class of kids on my team that work hard," Parcells said. "Each year I've been here, we've improved the talent level and the quality of the person here, and that's important to me."
It's also important that he maintain his health. With that in mind, Parcells runs 3 miles on a treadmill and does more than 100 sit-ups each day, a routine he often performs while listening to doo-wop music and other favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.
"He really does get after it, and it gives him peace of mind and a burst of energy he can channel into his job," team spokesman Rich Dalrymple said. "The best time to approach him, especially with bad news, is just after he's finished working out."
Dalrymple said there's another reason for Parcells' increased attention to his health.
"He enjoys life and wants to be a participant for a long, long time," Dalrymple said.
Of course, it helps that Parcells loves his job.
"I think at age 50 or so, I wondered, 'Hey, Parcells, is this all you're going to do in life?'" Parcells said. "Once you get through that, which I am definitely through, you get to where you know chronologically you are close to the end, (and) it gets a little bit more precious to you. ... Each game. Each season. It sounds a little corny, but really, that's the way it is for me."
Express-News Staff Writer
Bill Parcells learned long ago that being a head coach in the NFL wasn't conducive to a stress-free lifestyle.
"You feel pressure all the time," Parcells said. "I don't think there is one guy coaching in this business that doesn't feel pressure.
"I don't care if you won the Super Bowl an hour ago, it turns right then, and you start thinking. I know. I've been there."
Twice, in fact. And at age 65, Parcells appears ready to drive himself to the point of exhaustion to return — this time with the Dallas Cowboys.
"This is my life's work," Parcells said in July just before the start of his 19th training camp as an NFL head coach.
Most league observers bet against Parcells fulfilling the four-year deal he received from owner Jerry Jones in January 2003.
"He'll clash with Jerry and leave after a year," pundits said.
Others predicted Parcells would run out of energy trying to rebuild a team that last won a playoff game in 1996.
But Parcells, who guided the New York Giants to Super Bowl victories after the 1986 and 1990 seasons, shows no signs of slowing down after signing a two-year extension in the offseason that's worth about $11 million.
"I think it's good for business, particularly in the acquisition of players, for them to get the feeling the coach is going to be there for a while," Parcells said in May. "When you get to be my age, things can happen. But I have to tell you, I like it very much here in Dallas."
It helps that he has a good relationship with Jones.
"I get tremendous support all of the time," said Parcells, who is 25-23 with the Cowboys.
Jones said it's easy to be supportive of a coach driven to be the best.
"Without a doubt, Bill is one of the biggest reasons I'm excited about this season and have the enthusiasm I have," Jones said. "His energy level, his leadership, the continuity we have — all of this has me really fired up about what we have a chance to accomplish."
The Cowboys, who open the season Sunday in Jacksonville, are expected to compete for the NFC East Division title. Some prognosticators even say a Super Bowl run is possible if mercurial receiver Terrell Owens behaves.
But Parcells seems more interested in his younger players. Some of his most animated moments with the media have come when he's been asked about the development of linebacker DeMarcus Ware, tight end Jason Witten and cornerback Terence Newman.
"I've got a good class of kids on my team that work hard," Parcells said. "Each year I've been here, we've improved the talent level and the quality of the person here, and that's important to me."
It's also important that he maintain his health. With that in mind, Parcells runs 3 miles on a treadmill and does more than 100 sit-ups each day, a routine he often performs while listening to doo-wop music and other favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.
"He really does get after it, and it gives him peace of mind and a burst of energy he can channel into his job," team spokesman Rich Dalrymple said. "The best time to approach him, especially with bad news, is just after he's finished working out."
Dalrymple said there's another reason for Parcells' increased attention to his health.
"He enjoys life and wants to be a participant for a long, long time," Dalrymple said.
Of course, it helps that Parcells loves his job.
"I think at age 50 or so, I wondered, 'Hey, Parcells, is this all you're going to do in life?'" Parcells said. "Once you get through that, which I am definitely through, you get to where you know chronologically you are close to the end, (and) it gets a little bit more precious to you. ... Each game. Each season. It sounds a little corny, but really, that's the way it is for me."
posted by The Gryphon at 7:44 PM
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