Parcells Still Up in the Air

Bill Parcells is still contemplating whether he wants to return to coaching in the NFL.

“Right now, I’m trying to kind of weigh all the issues involved with making a commitment that I know is necessary to go back to coaching in the NFL,” Parcells said on his weekly radio show.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are negotiating with the two-time Super Bowl winner to replace Tony Dungy. The former Giant, Patriot and Jet coach said on Sporting News Radio that reports of a done deal are not true.

“As of this moment, I haven’t decided that that’s what I’m going to do because it does involve a strong commitment, and it does involve a lot of work, and you are responsible to the organization you work for, and you have to do it 100%,” Parcells said. “And until I feel that I can do that, I’m just gonna deliberate and decide one way or another. If I choose not to coach again, then I feel certain that I’ll be retired from football for good.”

The Buccaneers fired Dungy on Monday night, then formally began talks with Parcells the following day. The team also has interviewed Mike Tannenbaum, a Parcells’ protege, for the general manager’s job held by Rich McKay.

McKay said he has been offered a position as team president, but is not sure if he will accept it.

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New Washington Redskin Coach Steve Spurrier hired nine former University of Florida assistants and announced that two coaches--Hue Jackson and Mike Stock--will remain from fired coach Marty Schottenheimer’s staff.

Steve Spurrier Jr., a former assistant under his father at Florida and most recently a member of the University of Oklahoma staff, will coach the wide receivers.

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Gary Moeller stepped down as defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars after a season in which his defense surrendered the late decisive score in six of 10 losses.

Moeller came under criticism from Coach Tom Coughlin, and from his own players, who disagreed with the so-called “soft” defenses he called.

A team news release said Coughlin and Moeller reached the decision by mutual agreement.

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Ram running back Marshall Faulk won The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player award for the third consecutive year.

Faulk did it with a typically spectacular season, rushing for 1,382 yards, gaining 765 yards receiving on 83 catches--best among NFL running backs--scoring 21 touchdowns and going over 2,000 yards from scrimmage (2,147) for the fourth consecutive season, an NFL record.

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Quarterback Jim Kelly, team owner Art Modell and Parcells are among 15 finalists announced for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other finalists include coach George Allen, tight end Dave Casper, punter Ray Guy, defensive back Lester Hayes and wide receiver James Lofton.

Finalists will be announced Feb. 2.

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Joey Getherall, a former Notre Dame receiver and return specialist from La Puente Bishop Amat High, signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. He had the nation’s ninth-best average in punt returns (16.3 yards) in 2000. He spent training camp with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent, was waived and worked as a substitute teacher last fall.