Bill Parcells Coaching

Lore & Background

Parcells retired for a second time in 1999, but returned again in 2003 as the head coach of the Cowboys. The Cowboys made two playoff appearances under Parcells, although both ended in first-round defeats, leading to his third and final retirement in 2007.

Reader's Guide

Parcells was born in Englewood, New Jersey on August 22, 1941. He grew up in Hasbrouck Heights. He attended River Dell Regional High School. He played linebacker at the University of Wichita.

He was drafted by the Detroit Lions but released before playing an NFL game. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Hastings in 1964. He became head coach at the Air Force Academy in 1978. He served as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants in 1979, then as linebackers coach of the New England Patriots in 1980.

He returned to the Giants as an assistant in 1981 and became head coach in 1983. He led the Giants to Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV victories. He became head coach of the Patriots in 1993, leading them to Super Bowl XXXI. He became head coach and general manager of the Jets in 1997, leading them to the AFC Championship Game by his second year. He retired in 1999, returned as Cowboys head coach in 2003, and retired for the final time in 2007.

Did You Know?

• He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
• His nickname "Big Tuna" originated from a StarKist commercial while he was with the Patriots.