Dolphins owner: Parcells plans to stay

[January 05, 2009]  MIAMI (AP) -- Bill Parcells is staying with the Miami Dolphins, owner Wayne Huizenga said.

After the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Huizenga said Parcells has decided to remain for another season.

Parcells' contract allows him to leave and still receive the $9-12 million remaining on his four-year contract if the franchise is sold. That sale is expected to be completed soon.

But Huizenga said Parcells told him Friday he plans to remain as executive vice president of football operations.

"I talked to Bill the other day," Huizenga said. "He said, 'Hey, I like it here.'"

Thanks in large part to the leadership of Parcells, hired in December 2007, Miami went 11-6 and made the playoffs for the first time in seven years. The breakthrough came after a 1-15 record in 2007.

The sale of a majority share of the team to New York real estate billionaire Stephen Ross is expected to be completed soon. Under the terms of Parcells' contract, he would then have 30 days to leave without sacrificing the money due him in the final three years of his deal.

The Dolphins lost to Baltimore 27-9.

"It hasn't been a good day, but it has been a great year," Huizenga said.

[Associated Press]

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