Parcells: Focus Is on the Present

Bill Parcells doesn’t act as if he plans to quit coaching any time soon. With the Dallas Cowboys still trying to make the playoffs, he appears as focused as ever.

At 2 a.m. on Christmas, Parcells was in his office watching film and preparing for the regular-season finale.

On Monday, he released inconsistent kicker Billy Cundiff. Veteran safety Tony Dixon was re-signed in case Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams’ injured left foot bothers him.

Parcells’ focus is solely on the finale against the St. Louis Rams, not on the help Dallas needs from other teams. And especially not a report that claims he’s considering retirement.

“I’m not talking about any of that,” Parcells said Monday, when asked about his future.

The Cowboys (9-6) remained in playoff contention with a 24-20 victory Saturday at Carolina, but a 10th victory Sunday night at home against St. Louis won’t be enough if Carolina and Washington win their road games earlier in the day. But if the Panthers or Redskins lose, Dallas gets a wild-card berth by winning the NFL’s last regular-season game.

“Not making the playoffs would be a disappointment to me,” Parcells said, adding that’s how he’d feel even if the team wins 10 games. “Last year, a couple of teams got in with eight, but this year, we’re not that fortunate.”

After going 6-10 last season, the Cowboys are already guaranteed their second winning season in three seasons under Parcells. They went through three straight 5-11 seasons under Dave Campo before that.

Parcells has one season left on his $17-million, four-year contract, buta report posted Saturday on ESPN.com, citing unidentified sources, said he was contemplating retirement.

“There is no one I have talked to, no one about anything of that nature,” said Parcells, an ESPN studio analyst before joining the Cowboys. “I challenge anyone to step forward to say this guy said to me he was thinking about retirement.”

There have been other reports that owner Jerry Jones wants to offer Parcells a contract extension.