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Getting to know you Parcells, prospective new owner meet for two hours
Posted: Wednesday January 12, 2000 07:47 PM
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, the winning bidder for the New York Jets, met with Bill Parcells for two hours Wednesday. No decisions were made on the team's coaching situation, which has been a mess since Parcells stepped down on Jan. 3 and hand-chosen successor Bill Belichick quit the next day. Parcells, the chief of football operations, and Johnson are expected to talk again soon. Johnson met with Parcells and team president Steve Gutman at the Jets' offices. Johnson also met various staff members in what was characterized as "a good introductory meeting and an opportunity to get acquainted." While Jets fans flood the airwaves and Internet with encouragement for Parcells to return as coach for at least one year, indications are he would prefer to turn elsewhere. The most logical candidate on the current staff is linebacker coach Al Groh, who also was defensive coordinator in the past for Parcells. Parcells said he hoped a quick decision could be reached once a new owner was selected and could offer input. Johnson, who bid $635 million for the franchise, must be approved by NFL owners, which might happen as soon as Tuesday, when the owners meet in New York. He needs at least 24 of the 31 owners to approve the purchase. Johnson can't conduct any official team business until the purchase from the estate of the late Leon Hess is approved. Team president Steve Gutman, meanwhile, will be among the Jets' representatives at a hearing Thursday over Belichick's contract. No determination on Belichick's status is expected this week. Belichick wants to talk to the New England Patriots about their vacant coaching position, but the Jets would demand compensation from the Patriots -- or any team -- because Belichick's contract has three years remaining.
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