Sources: Parcells talking with Falcons
In fact, Parcells and Falcons owner Arthur Blank have had discussions within the past few days. It's clear that Blank is trying to lure a man that could substantially help a team mired in bad public relations the last year.
It's long been assumed that Parcells wants to take a front-office job rather than jump back into coaching. Although with Parcells, one never knows.
The Falcons are hoping to have an answer in the coming days, but obviously would wait for Parcells to make a decision.
However, the Falcons may not be the only team vying for the future Hall of Famer's services. Parcells could have a choice between the Falcons and Miami Dolphins, who have also reached out to Parcells, according to league sources.
Clearly if Blank can lure Parcells to Atlanta it would be a major coup for a franchise in desperate need of any positive news. Less than a year ago, the Atlanta Falcons hired Petrino to replace Jim Mora after a 7-9 season, which included three straight losses to end the year.
Petrino thought he was getting one of the best coaching jobs in the NFL. Without Michael Vick, it wasn't worth keeping for even one full season.
Just 13 games into a miserable debut as Atlanta Falcons coach, Petrino stunningly announced his resignation last Tuesday and returned to the college ranks at Arkansas.
Petrino left Louisville for Atlanta in January, agreeing to a five-year, $24 million contract handed out by the Falcons.
A few months later, Vick came under investigation for a grisly dogfighting operation that led him to plead guilty to federal charges. He was sentenced last Monday to 23 months in prison without ever taking a snap for Petrino, who left with a 3-10 record.
Several league sources say that Parcells has recently called around for opinions on coaches and personnel people.
Parcells, 66, will likely be able to write his own ticket wherever he lands.
Parcells spent time with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. He retired for a third time after taking the Cowboys to the postseason in 2006. His career record is 183-138-1, including an 11-8 postseason mark. He's one of just five coaches to have taken two different teams to the Super Bowl.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
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