Kraft, Parcells & BB

[patsfan13]

All Patsfans should take the time to check out the interview G Meyers did on WFAN with Francesa today, I don't know when it will be posted to their on demand but WELL worth a listen.


How the problems developed between Parcells and Kraft.

When Kraft decided he wanted BB to be his coach

Why Parcells retired as the Jets HC and BB became the coach for a day.

Great interesting stuff.

link to the show's on demand page:

Mike Francesa « CBS New York

 

[Buchanty]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

All Patsfans should take the time to check out the interview G Meyers did on WFAN with Francesa today, I don't know when it will be posted to their on demand but WELL worth a listen.
Mike Francesa « CBS New York

Gary Myers is not in my list of readable sports journalists, usually his columns in the Daily News are little more than cheer-leading for the NY teams. I missed part of the interview but know that he did get input from Parcells while Belichick turned down his request. I assume BB had a similar view of Myers as myself.

I don't know if Kraft granted him an interview, but much of the Kraft/Parcells/Belichick relationship is Parcells/NY perspective. Not that anything bad was said, other than Parcells didn't have the time of day for any conversation with Kraft because in his opinion he knew nothing about football and wanted to be involved. Parcells knew that his desire was not to make decisions but at least to know what was going on. Apparently Parcells just wanted him to give him his fat pay check.

Myers smoothed over the Parcells/Belichick fall out, and didn't offer much as to why they patched it up other than over dinner one night they decided it was stupid not to.

Not exactly riveting reporting. But then I could have been distracted driving through fog and mist on the way home.

 

[patsfan13]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

Gary Myers is not in my list of readable sports journalists, usually his columns in the Daily News are little more than cheer-leading for the NY teams. I missed part of the interview but know that he did get input from Parcells while Belichick turned down his request. I assume BB had a similar view of Myers as myself.

I don't know if Kraft granted him an interview, but much of the Kraft/Parcells/Belichick relationship is Parcells/NY perspective. Not that anything bad was said, other than Parcells didn't have the time of day for any conversation with Kraft because in his opinion he knew nothing about football and wanted to be involved. Parcells knew that his desire was not to make decisions but at least to know what was going on. Apparently Parcells just wanted him to give him his fat pay check.

Myers smoothed over the Parcells/Belichick fall out, and didn't offer much as to why they patched it up other than over dinner one night they decided it was stupid not to.

Not exactly riveting reporting. But then I could have been distracted driving through fog and mist on the way home.

He had dinner with Kraft and Kraft's take was a big part of the interview.

Although Myers and Francesa are both Parcell's guys the interview was slanted to make BB into the bad guy if anything they showed how prickly Parcells was in his behavior and one nugget was Parcells saying of all the jobs he left the only one he regretted leaving was the Patriots.

You should listen instead of prejudging, it was VERY interesting.

 

[Deus Irae]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

Gary Myers is not in my list of readable sports journalists, usually his columns in the Daily News are little more than cheer-leading for the NY teams. I missed part of the interview but know that he did get input from Parcells while Belichick turned down his request. I assume BB had a similar view of Myers as myself.

I don't know if Kraft granted him an interview, but much of the Kraft/Parcells/Belichick relationship is Parcells/NY perspective. Not that anything bad was said, other than Parcells didn't have the time of day for any conversation with Kraft because in his opinion he knew nothing about football and wanted to be involved. Parcells knew that his desire was not to make decisions but at least to know what was going on. Apparently Parcells just wanted him to give him his fat pay check.

Myers smoothed over the Parcells/Belichick fall out, and didn't offer much as to why they patched it up other than over dinner one night they decided it was stupid not to.

Not exactly riveting reporting. But then I could have been distracted driving through fog and mist on the way home.

Unless you think a particular reporter/columnist/host cannot offer you any new information or perspective, it makes no sense to categorically ignore a writer/radio host.

 

[patsfan13]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

The interview has been posted at WFAN, about 40 min they start talking about the Pats about 5 min in, they start with some stuff on Landry, Jones and Johnson in Dallas.

 

[upstater1]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

I listened.

Here's what I believe.

1. Parcells got Kraft to eat the penalty in his contract that required Parcells to buy his way out. He shortened Parcells' contract by a year and gave him an out. After the fact, there were rumors that Parcells had already talked to the Jets (and you know how badly Parcells would have wanted to stick it to the Giants by taking over the Jets).

2. Kraft was very reluctant to allow Parcells to conduct the draft in Spring of 1995 because he knew Parcells was out the door. This makes sense. When Parcells realized that Grier would be given the call on the first choice, he went ballistic and stormed out of the draft room.

3. After the Parcells team left Foxboro, Kraft had a three hour meeting in his car discussing things with Belichick. I think this is when Kraft knew he wanted Belichick as the next coach. This was in 1996. Reporters in New England noticed this conversation.

4. Because of the bang-up job Belichick did with the Jets, many teams came after him to become head coach. In particular, Belichick was wooed by the Raiders. The Jets, however, were on a Super Bowl run, so that bumped Belichick's pay by $1 million and guaranteed him he'd be the coach of the Jets after Parcells.

5. However, this was a perk for Belichick. It wasn't meant to tie him down to the Jets. Belichick had too much leverage in this instance for that contract to be held against him. It was offered in the first place to hold onto him as an assistant. He would have won that lawsuit as well since you can't force someone to accept a promotion.

 

[patfanken]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

I found that the interview was more revealing that I expected. I expected a full all out Parcells ball washing. Francesca didn't disappoint. 13 years later and he's still carrying Parcells' water. However there were things that were revealed that are worth noting.

1. Whatever you think about Parcells' coaching and team building skills, he was and probably still is a world class assclown. Clearly we all know what kind of man Bob Kraft is. The way Parcells treated him with is wife and with the banker was just typical of the kind of character Parcells was.

2. When Parcells was with the Giants, THEY didn't trust him to "buy the groceries". When he was in NE they soon found out that THEY shouldn't trust him either. Nothing he did in Dallas or Miami gave one any indication that he should be given full control of the personnel. So I was wondering why Francesca was so willing to give Parcells all the credit for building the talent on those mid-90's teams.

3. I'm sure the Problems Kraft had with Parcells weren't entirely all Parcells' fault, but I would bet that most of it was. As we have seen Kraft has never been a hands on owner. He just wanted to kept in the loop. In other words shown some common courtesy. He key to BB's successful relationship with him is simple. He shows his boss some common courtesy.

4. I would have like it if BB HAD given Myers an interview. I'm sure BB would have had a lot to offer in the way of NFL history, and how to build a team that can stand the test of time.

5. Parcells is a out and out liar - He denied the Mara story, while Kraft had no reason to fabricate it, and Meyers got credible confirmation. That doesn't surprise me.

6. DISCLAIMER - I am NOT a Bill Parcells fan. I have always thought he was an egotistical self promoter, who took bad teams that had good drafts for a few years, than gave that team the short term discipline they needed.....and take all the credit.

IMHO. Parcells had just 2 worthy skills. One was to surround himself with great assistant coaches. The 2nd was knowing when to get out of town. Although he's 180 degrees opposite Rex in character and personality, he has one thing in common with him. His coaching style doesn't work long term and Bill was smart enough to realize it. That's why at the first sign of success, he was already planning to get out of Dodge.

I just wanted that out there in case someone might think any of my comments are biased....because they are.

7. And once again I'd like to thank the very discerning fans of the New England Patriots for NOT tainting the Pats HOF with Bill Parcells' presence.

 

[JDot]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

Not a fan of G Meyers at all. But that was a cool interview.

And Lol, at Beli being the only coach to not speak to Meyers.

I am sure it went something like this.

Meyers:"I am doing a book on coaches, I was wondering if we could sit down and talk"?

Belichick:

 

[patsfan13]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

I found the parts that revealed Parcells arrogance interesting.

Refusing to acknowledge Myra Kraft,

Refusing to talk with Kraft's banker, when Kraft introduced him to Parcells,

His resentment that he wouldn't have unquestioned authority and didn't want to inform
Kraft of what he was doing, since he didn't have to with Orthwein, Parcells wanted
to be the virtual owner in that sense,

I was interested that Kraft was taken with BB when Parcells arrange the meeting in order to add BB to the staff, when he was fired by the Browns.

That idea that Parcells resigned and 'trap' BB with the Jets to keep him from going to the Patriots, explains the crazy BB presser when he resigned,

Kraft advising BB to learn to deal with the press when he was going to the Jets, to help him become a head coach.

BB knowing how Kraft want to be kept in the loop and calling him every day at 6:30am for a conversation. BB understands how to have a great relationship with this owner.

Overall reinforced what a great owner Kraft is. After dealing with the Sulllivan's for so longand tha other goof's before Kraft....

 

[Buchanty]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

You should listen instead of prejudging, it was VERY interesting.

I did say that I was distracted by driving in the fog, so what I did hear (sporadically) formed my opinion as much as any prejudice. Although I admit the latter dictated my description of Myers it didn't stop me from listening as best I could given the driving conditions. Guess we can all misjudge.

 

[shmessy]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

Unless you think a particular reporter/columnist/host cannot offer you any new information or perspective, it makes no sense to categorically ignore a writer/radio host.

That's all very well and good, but that writer can be ignored:

Myers: Pats 'genius' coach loses aura, burned by own Beli-tricks - New York Daily News

Written 48 hours before 49-19.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

That's all very well and good, but that writer can be ignored:

Myers: Pats 'genius' coach loses aura, burned by own Beli-tricks - New York Daily News

Written 48 hours before 49-19.

Thanks for posting the link Shmessy. After reading that Gary Myers story? I regretted it (his wrap up sentence? "He used to be a football genius. These days, he's just the coach in the hoodie with the sleeves cut off.". What a moron. Seriously, the man is either dumb or writes with calculating stupidity to garner audience. If certain Boston sports writers hadn't confirmed it, this guy does: being a sport's writer requires no talent or high level thinking. It would not surprise me if Gary Myers has to have the plot to Adam Sandler movies explained to him.

I can see why non Patriot fans (especially a NY centric writer) would dislike BB. But to try and take a record like BB's (Gary, did you watch the 2011 season???) and actually dissect it to prove BB is just another coach? WOW! How can he possibly not be embarrassed when he reflects on what he has actually put into written word...

But the interview was good information....

 

[shmessy]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

Thanks for posting the link Shmessy. After reading that Gary Myers story? I regretted it (his wrap up sentence? "He used to be a football genius. These days, he's just the coach in the hoodie with the sleeves cut off.". What a moron. Seriously, the man is either dumb or writes with calculating stupidity to garner audience. If certain Boston sports writers hadn't confirmed it, this guy does: being a sport's writer requires no talent or high level thinking. It would not surprise me if Gary Myers has to have the plot to Adam Sandler movies explained to him.

I can see why non Patriot fans (especially a NY centric writer) would dislike BB. But to try and take a record like BB's (Gary, did you watch the 2011 season???) and actually dissect it to prove BB is just another coach? WOW! How can he possibly not be embarrassed when he reflects on what he has actually put into written word...

But the interview was good information....

I agree the interview had good information - - regarding Kraft and Parcells amongst others. However notice there was very little about BB other than his nurturing a respectful attitude towards Kraft. The writer actively hates BB - - that is not hyperbole, it is fact. And it colors even some innocuous seeming history telling by the writer.

Example? In the interview he blames the frayed relationship with Parcells for BB's decision to reject the Jets HC job one year after taking a $1 million bonus to remain an assistant with the Jets with the tacit understanding he would succeed Parcells there. THAT is the writer's take on it in the interview. What he purposely leaves out (to color the story against BB as treasonously ungrateful) however is that the Jets owner who paid him that bonus - Leon Hess - had DIED in the meantime and a very different (Little Lord Fauntroy) owner - Woody Johnson had taken over. BB can see through frauds pretty well. By 1999, he had worked under Parcells off and on for over 14 years, he wasn't afraid of working under Parcells. The difference was the OWNER. Myers wants everyone to believe it was all about "The Great Parcells'" shadow. That's baloney.

He wasn't too "Belichicken" (the term used by his newspaper) to work under Parcells. Belichick saw WOODY JOHNSON for what he was and is. This writer continues to peddle his agenda against Belichick. It is obvious it is personal.

BTW, if you enjoyed the hilarity of that column 48 hours before 49-19, you would not believe the stuff he was writing during the runup week to last year's Super Bowl. As unprofessional as it gets.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

I agree the interview had good information - - regarding Kraft and Parcells amongst others. However notice there was very little about BB other than his nurturing a respectful attitude towards Kraft. The writer actively hates BB - - that is not hyperbole, it is fact. And it colors even some innocuous seeming history telling by the writer.

Example? In the interview he blames the frayed relationship with Parcells for BB's decision to reject the Jets HC job one year after taking a $1 million bonus to remain an assistant with the Jets with the tacit understanding he would succeed Parcells there. THAT is the writer's take on it in the interview. What he purposely leaves out (to color the story against BB as treasonously ungrateful) however is that the Jets owner who paid him that bonus - Leon Hess - had DIED in the meantime and a very different (Little Lord Fauntroy) owner - Woody Johnson had taken over. BB can see through frauds pretty well. By 1999, he had worked under Parcells off and on for over 14 years, he wasn't afraid of working under Parcells. The difference was the OWNER. Myers wants everyone to believe it was all about "The Great Parcells'" shadow. That's baloney.

He wasn't too "Belichicken" (the term used by his newspaper) to work under Parcells. Belichick saw Woody Johnson for what he was and is. This writer continues to peddle his agenda against Belichick. It is obvious it is personal.

BTW, if you enjoyed the hilarity of that column 48 hours before 49-19, you would not believe the stuff he was writing during the runup week to last year's Super Bowl. As unprofessional as it gets.

I wasn't cognizant of the ignoring of BB but now recognize it once I read your post. More proof he is simply a hack. And while hacks thrive in the sports writing world -- sadly they thrive in the hard news world too -- this guy takes it to the Nth degree. His thought process that plays out in print is so absurd it boggles the mind. He can't believe it, he obviously is playing up that angle for acceptance/success among a growing population of impulsive idiots.

I'm not one to take the time to listen to sports writers/pundits. It is too inane for it to be palatable (for me). Further, I hate to give someone like him another web hit. But I am always interested in Patriots insight and this was pretty good. However, now that I am aware of what this guy stands for/operates by, you can count me as one who will absolutely not read his nonsense unless someone else points out that there is good (worthy) Patriots info. Giving him any additional success (even if relatively nearly nothing) just doesn't sit well (for me).

 

[Gumby]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

'BB knew how to play Kraft. he calls him every night or 6am if he only reaches voicemail. he tells him just enough to make Kraft happy

I don't know but I think this guy (myers) has never had a position of any responsibility with a boss who ALSO is responsible. Or else it just comes out in line with his self-admitted BB anti-bias.

my bosses have always wanted updates and in at least one command my boss wanted a daily email with critical info categories (in the early 90s before e-mail became commercially endemic). Othes asked for 3up / 3 downs frequently. Patriots is a $1B operation; this doesn tseem to me like "playing the boss", but more like "MANAGEMENT 101".

 

[DarrylS]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

Most of this has been discussed over a period of time on Sportstalk Radio, most recently in conjunction with his newly published book.. "Coaching Confidential"..

Is this just more shameless promotion???

 

[BennyBledsoe]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

In short:

Yes.

 

[1960Pats]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

All Patsfans should take the time to check out the interview G Meyers did on WFAN with Francesa today, I don't know when it will be posted to their on demand but WELL worth a listen.


How the problems developed between Parcells and Kraft.

When Kraft decided he wanted BB to be his coach

Why Parcells retired as the Jets HC and BB became the coach for a day.

Great interesting stuff.

link to the show's on demand page:

Mike Francesa « CBS New York

Thanks for sharing that p13. It was very interesting. What was especially interesting was how Tuna Crap got caught in his lie about wanting Kraft to take on one of the Mara's as a 1% partner.

What came across clearest of all though is the man-crush that Myers and Francesa have for Tuna Crap. It was sickening really.

So was the idiotic notion that Parcells built the Pats up to be a contender for years to come. I think that was an attempt to give the jerk credit for what the Pats accomplished long after he left.

Then there's the Tuna Crap coaching tree baloney. If anyone should get credited for that it should be Ray Perkins.

 

[1960Pats]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

That's all very well and good, but that writer can be ignored:

Myers: Pats 'genius' coach loses aura, burned by own Beli-tricks - New York Daily News

Written 48 hours before 49-19.

I know it was meant as an example of what a dope Myers is, but posting a link to a Myers article is an interesting way to ignore him.

The radio interview was far more interesting than I thought it would be and was certainly better than some hatchet job article Myers wrote slamming Belichick.

Having said that, I do enjoy seeing all of the mediots trying to make Belichick look bad. He's getting the last laugh on all of them and I'm chuckling right along with him.

 

[upstater1]

re: Kraft, Parcells & BB

I agree the interview had good information - - regarding Kraft and Parcells amongst others. However notice there was very little about BB other than his nurturing a respectful attitude towards Kraft. The writer actively hates BB - - that is not hyperbole, it is fact. And it colors even some innocuous seeming history telling by the writer.

Example? In the interview he blames the frayed relationship with Parcells for BB's decision to reject the Jets HC job one year after taking a $1 million bonus to remain an assistant with the Jets with the tacit understanding he would succeed Parcells there. THAT is the writer's take on it in the interview. What he purposely leaves out (to color the story against BB as treasonously ungrateful) however is that the Jets owner who paid him that bonus - Leon Hess - had DIED in the meantime and a very different (Little Lord Fauntroy) owner - Woody Johnson had taken over. BB can see through frauds pretty well. By 1999, he had worked under Parcells off and on for over 14 years, he wasn't afraid of working under Parcells. The difference was the OWNER. Myers wants everyone to believe it was all about "The Great Parcells'" shadow. That's baloney.

He wasn't too "Belichicken" (the term used by his newspaper) to work under Parcells. Belichick saw WOODY JOHNSON for what he was and is. This writer continues to peddle his agenda against Belichick. It is obvious it is personal.

BTW, if you enjoyed the hilarity of that column 48 hours before 49-19, you would not believe the stuff he was writing during the runup week to last year's Super Bowl. As unprofessional as it gets.

I'm not sure I buy the idea that the owner was the difference. I think the difference is that the $1 million was paid to prevent him from taking a HC job elsewhere.

so, why would that bind BB to the Jets? The tacit understanding was not that BB would become coach, but that he would have that option. I read about the court case at the time and it was clear to me that BB would have won it, but the NFL wanted it settled out of court because it would have messed with the NFL's own policies about not allowing teams to offer coaches under contract at the same job level. Weis even testified in his behlf.

The $1 million was paid to retain BB, and Parcells acted as though he was doing BB a favor. That's the real problem.