IRVING – Five days after the 2005 season ended, Bill Parcells signed a new two-year contract, but the Cowboys coach does not appear ready to make a decision on his future five days after the 2006 season.
According to sources, Parcells addressed his assistant coaches Wednesday about his future for the first time since the season ended, and said he would need more time to decide if he wants to coach again.
Parcells, 65, has one year left on his contract with the Cowboys and is scheduled to make $5.5 million. Contractually, he has to decide by Feb. 1. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said repeatedly that he wants Parcells to return for a fifth season.
In the past, Parcells said he has had to decide whether he has the energy to not just coach a 16-game season, but to go through the whole process of a season, such as preparing for free agency and the draft.
As Parcells continues to mull his decision, four assistants – Bruce DeHaven, Anthony Lynn, Mike MacIntyre and David Lee – are in limbo because their contracts will expire shortly. Other teams would need the Cowboys' permission to speak with them, because the team holds an exclusive negotiating period with the assistants even after their contracts are up.
Also, the Cowboys have to fill the defensive coordinator vacancy created when Mike Zimmer joined Atlanta's staff. The in-house candidates, if Parcells chooses to stay, would be secondary coach Todd Bowles and linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni.
Seven re-signed to practice squad: The Cowboys signed seven members of their eight-man practice squad to 2007 contracts.
Quarterback Matt Baker, wide receiver Damarius Bilbo, who is moving to safety, tight ends Tony Curtis and Andy Thorn, receivers Jamaica Rector and Jerheme Urban and kicker Carlos Martinez were re-signed. The Cowboys also signed cornerback Joey Thomas, a second-round pick by Green Bay in 2004.
With Martinez signed, the Desperados will be in need of a kicker this season. He had been with the Desperados for parts of the last three seasons. Tailback Keylon Kincade was the only member of the practice squad not to be re-signed.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
