Bill Parcells
Two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the New York Giants.
Duane Charles "Bill" Parcells (born August 22, 1941) is an American former football coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 19 seasons. He came to prominence as the head coach of the New York Giants from 1983 to 1990, winning two Super Bowl titles. Parcells was later the head coach of the New England Patriots from 1993 to 1996, the New York Jets from 1997 to 2000, and the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2006. Nicknamed "the Big Tuna", he is the only NFL coach to lead four different franchises to the playoffs and three to a conference championship game.
- Role
- Head Coach
- Tenure
- 1984–1990
- Super Bowls Won
- 2 (XXI, XXV)
- Hall of Fame Induction
- 2013
- Nickname
- The Big Tuna
Lore & Background
Parcells took over the Giants in 1983, not 1984. His nickname 'the Big Tuna' originated during his time with the New England Patriots, not Miami. After winning Super Bowl XXV, Parcells retired, not to pursue other opportunities but due to health reasons (the source says he retired following the second Super Bowl).
In Their Own Story
The noise of the Superdome faded into a dull roar as Parcells huddled with his coordinators. It was January 1991, the final minutes ticking down against Buffalo. He adjusted his headset, eyes locked on the field where Lawrence Taylor stood ready for one last stand. No words were needed; the trust built over six years spoke louder than any play call. When the clock hit zero, he simply nodded at the scoreboard, knowing another trophy had been secured for New York.
Reader's Guide
Parcells became head coach of the New York Giants in 1983. He retired after Super Bowl XXV. His nickname 'the Big Tuna' came from his stint with the New England Patriots in 1980.
Did You Know?
- Parcells was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round but never played an NFL game.
- He is the only NFL coach to lead four different franchises to the playoffs.
- Parcells was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
More in Hall of Famers & Icons
Elsewhere in the New York Giants universe
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