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$5 million man? Jets could make Parcells highest-paid NFL coach ever
Posted: Thursday January 13, 2000 11:28 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Bill Parcells could become the highest-paid coach in NFL history if he returns for one more year with the New York Jets. NFL sources told The Associated Press that Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, the winning bidder Tuesday in the sale of the team, is willing to pay Parcells more than the $4 million Seattle coach-general manager Mike Holmgren makes. The sources, speaking on the condition of not being identified, said Johnson is willing to abide by any decision Parcells makes. But Johnson also let it be known during a two-hour meeting with Parcells on Wednesday that the new owner's first choice is Parcells, who stepped down on Jan. 3. Johnson paid $635 million to the estate of the late Leon Hess for the Jets. The sale must be approved by 24 of the league's 31 owners, who will meet Tuesday in New York and are expected to accept Johnson into their ranks. By then, Johnson might have committed in the neighborhood of $5 million to Parcells for one season of coaching. Although there are several other possible scenarios -- Parcells overseeing the day-to-day operations while someone else coaches; Parcells hiring an assistant head coach to handle much of the daily chores, but with both being on the sidelines for games -- Johnson clearly prefers the same situation as the last three years. That means Parcells calling the shots. The most logical head coaching candidate on the current staff is linebacker coach Al Groh, who also was defensive coordinator in the past for Parcells. 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." For now, Johnson can't conduct any official team business. Gutman was to be among the Jets' representatives at a hearing today over Bill Belichick's contract -- it was Belichick's resignation as coach the day after Parcells resigned that created the Jets' coaching mess. Parcells also may be on hand for the hearing. He certainly has a vested interest in what happens with his former defensive coordinator and hand-chosen successor. 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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