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Bill Parcells
Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo
Bill Parcells finished with a 34-32 record as Cowboys coach.
Tuna Helper
Bill Parcells back already? Just 14 games after his retirement from the NFL, Parcells said he would likely accept the Atlanta Falcon's offer to become the team's vice president of football operations. However, Parcells maintains he will not be returning to the sidelines as a coach. The first task for Parcells will be to find a new coach to replace Bobby Petrino. There is also a general manager spot open in Atlanta as Falcon's owner Arthur Blank has informed Rich Mckay he will no longer be the team's general manager. "Outside the Lines" (ESPN, 3 p.m. ET) examines how and why Parcells decided to return to the NFL.


OTL Upcoming Stories
The Perfect Mindset
Belichick
Belichick
The New England Patriots may already be considered a dynasty, but they still have yet to achieve the ultimate goal of perfection. With only two games left in the regular season, the 14-0 Pats face a test that many have encountered, but only a few have conquered. Don Shula's Dolphins, Bob Knight's Hoosiers, John Wooden's Bruins and the UNLV Running Rebels have all completed undefeated seasons, while the 1985 Chicago Bears came within one victory of winning them all. What can the Patriots learn from the approach of each of these teams and their coaches? This Sunday, "OTL" explores the perfect mindset.
The Fire Within
Merriman
Merriman
Shawne Merriman has been through the fire. Literally. At ages 11 and 16, Merriman's family twice had their home burned to the ground. Now the San Diego Chargers linebacker and sack leader, Merriman, living near La Jolla, recognized the haunting smell of fire this past October. Due to raging forest fires in Southern California, Merriman along with half a million others left their homes. In the end, more than 2,000 homes were destroyed and over 400,000 acres were scorched from Los Angeles County to the Mexican border. Merriman's house was spared, but having experienced the devastating losses that so many families were facing he vowed to make a difference. "OTL's" Tom Friend, reports on Merriman's pledge to help rebuild the home of a family who lost everything in the San Diego fires.
Road to Recovery
Livingston
Livingston
One of the hardest parts of an injury for an athlete is the road back to health. Shaun Livingston has been working to get back onto the court for the Los Angeles Clippers since a gruesome injury to his knee which he sustained in February. Livingston tore three of the four ligaments in his knee, and completely severed both his ACL and MCL. Now, after almost one year of rehab, his doctor has cleared him to start practicing with the team in January. Livingston has started traveling with the team again, and figures to be right around the corner as far as getting back on the court. "Outside the Lines" examines Livingston's road back to the basketball court. Watch ESPN Video
More Outside The Lines Features >>
 
CENTERPIECE
GREEN MONSTERS
Garnett
Garnett
So far in this young NBA season, Danny Ainge appears to be a genius. The Boston Celtics are 20-2 and are dominating the league. The additions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen this off-season along with the return of Paul Pierce have given Boston a 1-2-3 superstar punch that Boston hasn't seen since the Bird, McHale and Parrish era. However, some critics say that the Celtics haven't proven anything yet with an easy early-season schedule. Wednesday night should be a good indicator as the Celtic's face off with the always tough Detroit Pistons. Today on "OTL," we examine what the Celtics have done so far and what they are capable of doing.
AT THIS HOUR
WILLIAMS APPEALS SUSPENSION
Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams was told Monday that he has to sit out Dallas' game Saturday night against Carolina as punishment for his third "horse-collar" tackle this season. He appealed Tuesday and a hearing was set for Wednesday. While the delay gave his defenders more time to prepare their case, it left coach Wade Phillips with less time to prepare his defense. He's already hampered by a shorter-than-usual week. Story
PETA FEATURING VICK IN HOLIDAY CARD
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has created a holiday e-card featuring former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who is serving a 23-month federal sentence for a dogfighting conspiracy.
In the card, a cartoon version of Vick paces across a prison yard inside a snow globe as gun-toting guards and their barking dogs keep watch. He's wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and football helmet and dragging a ball and chain.
When a visitor to PETA's Web site shakes the snow globe by dragging a mouse, Vick bounces around and crashes against the globe's dome as a commentator announces, "They got to the quarterback's blind side there. He never had a chance." Story
HANSBROUGH PROBABLE FOLLOWING CONCUSSION
All-American Tyler Hansbrough was listed as probable for North Carolina's next game following a concussion during a victory at Rutgers. Story
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ABOUT OTL
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