Detroit Lions Weblog

Take This With a Grain of Salt…

In a recent issue of the Cleveland Plain Dealer a writer speculates on the possibility of the “Big Tuna”, Bill Parcells, potentially taking the reigns as Lion’s Head Coach next season. Supposedly, Parcells has been interested in working for the Ford’s in the past and he has yet to sign a contract extension with the Cowboys. The column’s author purports that Parcells and Millen are friends, but I wonder if Parcells would consider taking the helm if he couldn’t “shop for his own groceries”? Or more plainly, would Millen accept the reduced role that working with a domineering personality like Parcell’s commands.

I think Parcells could have an immediate impact. The team’s veterans have often reported that the team has a few young “knuckleheads” who didn’t work hard under Steve Mariucci’s direction. Mariucci was a soft touch who gave the players more respect and a wider berth than they probably deserved (and earned!). One of my favorite football euphemisms is a Parcell’s quote: “I would throw them (the players) a fish, but they never throw one back to me.” Parcells has always been stern and demanding because he doesn’t have faith in the fact that the players won’t take advantage of a more permissive coaching philosophy. The Lion’s have suffered from a lack of discipline and focus that has cost them at least three games this season that were winnable. At this point, this type of speculation is all that we Lion’s fans can hang our hats upon.