Bill Parcells and Saints: Why Coaching Legend Just Can't Say No to New Orleans

We've all heard Bill Parcells say "no" before, and we will hear him say it again. But when it comes to taking over for Sean Payton in 2012, we’ll hear him “un-retire” for the fourth time.

When Parcells left the New York Giants in 1990, he announced his retirement from coaching. He had accomplished much in his tenure, securing two Super Bowl wins and a UPI Coach of the Year award.

He retired again in 1999 after leaving the New York Jets, but Jerry Jones persuaded him to take over the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. Another retirement was followed by an executive vice president of football operations position with the Miami Dolphins in 2007. That was followed by another retirement from the game.

Parcells spent the last year as an analyst for ESPN, bringing us current.

As of yet, no formal offer has been presented to Parcells. However, Payton has asked his mentor (Payton was on Parcells’ staff in Dallas) if he would be willing to take over the team while Payton serves a one-year suspension for his role in attempting to cover up the New Orleans Saints’ bounty program that was in place over the last three seasons.

There are countless reasons for Parcells to turn down the Saints should they make an offer. Their franchise quarterback has not signed a long-term deal, and their defense could be riddled with suspensions stemming from the bounty program.

It could create a hectic mess as the team works to piece together a roster early in the season, and a poor record would create an unattractive footnote to his career.

Spending 2012 in New Orleans is hardly a dream scenario for a coach that has a legacy to think about.

But it is precisely the Big Tuna’s legacy of professionalism that makes him the perfect person for this job. The NFL is attempting to cover up a black eye. “Bounty Gate” is drawing unfavorable press, and some have even called into question the validity of the Saints’ Super Bowl win.

The program needs a coach that can step in and continue with Payton’s plan, and Parcells can certainly maintain the integrity of their offense. More important, the NFL needs someone that can reestablish the integrity of the game in New Orleans.

A Bill Parcells stamp of approval will ease the pressure being put on the Saints and the NFL as a whole. More importantly, a coach that can lead the team back to the playoffs in 2012 will validate the franchise as true playoff contenders, not a team that succeeded through questionable means.

Tom Benson needs call Parcells and get a deal done. The sell, aside from the financial package, is quite easy. Payton needs you, the Saints need you, and yes, Bill, your game needs you one last time.