Though Dolphins V.P. of football operations turned consultant Bill Parcells has cleaned out his office and vacated the team’s facilities, he apparently won’t be setting up shop with another team soon, according to Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald.
Parcells reportedly is calling his latest move a “leave of absence,” and he has left open the door to help the team prepare for the 2011 draft.
Darlington confirms that Parcells indeed is gone from the facility, even though he’s saying he’ll eventually be involved in some capacity with the team.
Under his current contract, Parcells can leave the team at any time, collect the balance of his pay, and go work for someone else.
Thus, this report could be just another piece of Parcells’ leverage for his next deal with his next team. If/when the possible next team balks at his asking price, he’ll say, “Fine. I’ll just keep helping the Dolphins.”
So make no mistake about it. Parcells is in play for another job come 2011. By appearing coy he will ensure the creation of a sense of pursuit -- which will serve only to open up the purse strings.