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Parcells, Bill

Jerry Jones Bets Big on Bill Parcells, Pair Talk Upsets and Comebacks

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

NFL owner Jerry Jones believes that his partnership with fiery coach Bill Parcells can get the Dallas Cowboys back to being a top-tier team in the National Football League. Jones introduced Parcells as the team's sixth head coach in 43 years, citing his reputation as a great talent evaluator and his ability to communicate with players. Parcells has agreed to a four-year contract worth a reported $17 million, making him the highest-paid coach in team history, with a salary of over $4 million, more than the combined yearly incomes of his four predecessors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Parcells' mission is to bring winning football back to Dallas, a city that has not seen a winning season since 1998.
  • The coach has a 149-106-1 coaching record, including two Super Bowl wins with the New York Giants and a Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots.
  • Parcells has a reputation for being a great talent evaluator and his ability to communicate with players is seen as a major asset.
  • The coach has a unique relationship with Jerry Jones, who has been involved in hiring and firing several coaches, including Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson.
  • Parcells has introduced several hallmarks of his coaching style, including a focus on defensive football and a strong emphasis on toughness and discipline.
  • The coach has a say in hiring and firing assistant coaches and will have the power to affect player personnel decisions.
  • Parcells' contract includes a clause that gives him the power to trade or release players, including the option to shop Emmitt Smith, who is due to earn $7 million next year.
  • Parcells has a history of conflicts with owners, including a dispute with Patriots owner Robert Kraft that led to his resignation.

Statistics:

  • Bill Parcells' coaching record: 149-106-1 regular-season games wins and losses.
  • The Cowboys have not had a winning season since 1998.
  • Parcells' salary: $4 million per year.
  • The combined yearly incomes of his four predecessors: $4.2 million.
  • The Cowboys have had 6 head coaches in their 43-year history.
  • Parcells has coached 239 regular-season games in the NFL.
  • He has led 2 teams to the Super Bowl, including the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.

Sources:

  • cgolden@statesman.com
  • Cedric Golden, American-Statesman Staff. "Jerry Jones Bets Big on Bill Parcells." Dallas News, 23 Jan. 2003.
  • Bill Parcells bio. Dallas News, 23 Jan. 2003.

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