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Parcells among top candidates for Hall of Fame selection

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Five years after coaching the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl here, Bill Parcells may be headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Parcells, who coached the New York Giants to Super Bowl titles in 1986 and 1990, is one of 15 finalists eligible for election Saturday to the Class of 2002.

Parcells coached the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans, losing to Green Bay. Ironically, the Patriots are back here for Super Bowl XXXVI under head coach Bill Belichick, a long-time assistant under Parcells.

Quarterback Jim Kelly, Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell and punter Ray Guy are among the other finalists for election.

Hall of Fame rules require that a coach be retired in order to be inducted. That hurt Parcells last year -- his first of eligibility -- when speculation swirled that he would replace Tony Dungy as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dungy was fired a month ago after the Buccaneers lost in the wild-card round to Philadelphia. Tampa Bay offered before he may be considered.

A contributor, who has made outstanding contributions to pro football in capacities other than playing or coaching, may still be active in his football career.

Former NFL head coach George Allen is the candidate of the Seniors Committee, which reviews the qualification of those players, coaches and contributors whose careers primarily took place more than 25 years ago.

Rules stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year.

Enshrinement ceremonies for the Class of 2002 will be held August 3 at Canton, Ohio.

 

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