Giants: Say no thanks to Parcells

The Giants have rebuffed an overture from Cowboys coach Bill Parcells about returning to the organization as general manager, according to a high-ranking NFL executive familiar with the team's thinking.

Parcells had informed the Giants through an intermediary that he would be interested in returning to the organization to replace the retiring Ernie Accorsi, according to two NFL executives and a player. The sources requested anonymity because of the private nature of the search.

The revelation came after the Giants were snubbed by Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli. As reported in yesterday's Star-Ledger, the Giants planned to interview Pioli and were granted permission from New England. But yesterday Pioli declined to be interviewed, saying in a statement he will remain with the Patriots "for personal reasons."

He declined to be more specific.

Parcells' status with Dallas is unclear after Saturday night's wild 21-20 loss to the Seahawks. The Cowboys, who were seen as Super Bowl contenders just a month ago, lost when quarterback Tony Romo fumbled the hold of a 19-yard field-goal attempt with 1:19 remaining.

It was a fitting end to a tumultuous season that included plenty of tense moments involving wide receiver Terrell Owens, the benching of then-starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe and a collapse at season's end that cost the Cowboys the NFC East title.

Owner Jerry Jones has said he wants Parcells, 65, back as coach. Parcells' contract requires him to make a decision by Feb. 1.

"I'm going to take a look at things, take a look at what we need to do and see where we go," Parcells said after the loss to the Seahawks.

Parcells, who coached the Giants to Super Bowl titles after the 1986 and 1990 seasons, has one year remaining on his contract, so he can't leave to coach the Giants without compensation. Jones would likely block such a move to a division rival anyway, but he could leave to become general manager of another team because that is considered a promotion.

Parcells has also coached the Patriots and Jets. He did not return a message left on his cell phone last night.

A return to the Giants would give Parcells, who grew up in Oradell and has long had a house at the Jersey Shore, a chance to end his Hall of Fame career close to home.

But the Giants appear to be looking for a younger candidate who would stay in the job for the long term. Pioli, 41, would have fit the profile and was the leading outside candidate. Pioli, along with Patriots coach and former Parcells assistant Bill Belichick, have constructed a dynasty in New England that includes three Super Bowl wins.

Pioli is married to Parcells' daughter, Dallas.

Former Texans general manager Charlie Casserly also interviewed with the Giants, but is considered a long shot.

Inside the organization, the No. 1 option is director of player personnel Jerry Reese.

It's unclear if Reese, 42, would have won a battle for the job with Pioli. But Reese is highly regarded by team president John Mara, treasurer Jonathan Tisch and executive vice president Steven Tisch -- the three decision-makers in this process.