IRVING – I'm wondering if it's a good sign that Bill Parcells spent several minutes discussing his pet cat, Cody, only days before what could certainly turn out to be the final game of his career. Parcells described his 16-pound Maine Coon (long-haired) as "very, very athletic" to a small group of Seattle reporters who may have tired of writing about the Seahawks' injury-depleted secondary, which now includes blast from the past Pete Hunter.
If the Cowboys lose to the Seahawks on Saturday – it's time to start preparing yourself – I'm more convinced than ever that the 65-year-old Parcells will establish permanent residence in Saratoga Springs.
And all this "either T.O. goes or Bill goes" storyline isn't going to be a factor. A man who has won two Super Bowls isn't going to let one knucklehead – albeit one for the ages – control his destiny.
Barring a T.O.-inspired deep playoff run, I think Jerry Jones will ultimately decide that the distractions caused by the enigmatic wide receiver outweigh the positives (13 TDs).
He doesn't want his new coach to inherit The Greatest (side)Show on Earth.
So who will Jones hire to replace Parcells?
Sorry, I'm saving that for next week.
For now, let's stick with why I think Bill will step down after he takes a few days to contemplate his (or is it?) decision.
One of the things you should do when attempting to read Bill's mind is to listen closely to his inner-circle of friends, some of whom might ring a bell.
Just a couple of days ago I listened with great interest when Bob Knight was asked about his pal's struggles in Dallas. Knight acknowledged that Bill was having a difficult time and then noted how a lot of it was out of his control.
I took this as a call to arms for Parcells apologists across the nation.
Even though I don't subscribe to the popular theory that Hurricane T.O. prevented this team from reaching its potential, I think we'll eventually hear Parcells confirm that he was never comfortable with the signing.
I think he's handled T.O. as well as any coach could have, but the constant drama has been draining for him.
Bill might play it down, but he was energized by the rise of Tony Romo. And I don't think the fact that Romo has faded down the stretch takes away from that as much as you might think.
No matter what happens tomorrow night in Seattle, the Cowboys believe Romo is the long-term answer at quarterback. Many of his late-season mistakes occurred because he's completely lost faith in a defense that the Cowboys once pinned their Super Bowl hopes on.
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LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN Bill Parcells' record in Dallas is 34-31, including 0-1 in the playoffs. |
Coaches are trying to tell Romo not to press, but that's not easy when you feel the need to score on every possession.
No, Tony Romo will appear high on the list of positive things that occurred during the Parcells Era, which barring a deep playoff run, will have to be considered a failure.
Bill indicated earlier this week that his team's 2006 playoff edition is light years ahead of his 2003 unit.
But if you're using his "you are what you are" philosophy, that theory doesn't hold up.
The playoffs may be the end of the road for Parcells, but at least for one more night, his legacy here hangs in the balance.
E-mail mmosley@dallasnews.com
