Bill Parcells departed his post as a Dolphins executive during the 2010 season, and it’s a move he believes hurt the franchise.
“I think my leaving created a situation that was not good for the Dolphins retrospectively,” Parcells, now an ESPN analyst and a 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, said in a conference call with media Wednesday.
When Parcells was asked about what he considered the highs and lows of his Dolphins tenure, which lasted less than three seasons, he said: “I’ve thought about it a lot.”
Parcells indicated having a first-time owner (Stephen Ross), head coach (Tony Sparano) and GM (Jeff Ireland) created some challenges, calling it “a difficult dynamic, because everyone, rightfully so, wants to put their own mark on the franchise, and they have every right to do that.”
Parcells indicated he believes his departure created some “political” issues.
Said Parcells: “I saw things happen that I would have made every effort to try to avoid.”
Parcells didn’t mention any specific events. However, the dynamic between Ross, Sparano and Ireland came under scrutiny after the 2010 season when Ross made a pitch for then-Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh with Sparano still under contract.
On the conference call, Parcells was also asked about the Dolphins’ free-agent spending under Ireland this offseason.
“I think they’re trying to definitely improve the team, and I’m sure that everybody that’s involved is in agreement with the course of action that they’re taking, so hopefully it will work out for them,” Parcells said.
Parcells also believes Miami has a shot in the AFC East this season.
“I think their division is such that they can be competitive, and even maybe have a chance to win it, so I’m hopeful that goes well for them,” he said. “I do have a high regard for Steve Ross. I like him very much. I talk to him from time to time, and I certainly wish him well.”