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Mcnair-to-Calico · 01-23-2007, 11:13 AM

Titans say Fisher-to-Cowboys won't happen
Parcells retires after 19 seasons, four NFL teams

By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer

The Titans strongly squashed speculation linking Coach Jeff Fisher to the newly vacant Dallas job Monday, as chief operating office Steve Underwood said there are no circumstances under which the team would allow the Cowboys to talk to Fisher.

"Dallas has not requested permission to speak to Coach Fisher, and in the event they did, there are no circumstances under which permission would be granted," Underwood said.

"(Owner Bud) Adams has repeatedly made clear that Coach Fisher will be here, coaching the Titans."

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones is in the market for a new coach after the unexpected retirement Monday of the gruff and colorful Bill Parcells.

Parcells, 65, announced in a short statement that he was finished after four seasons with the Cowboys and 19 seasons as an NFL head coach with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Cowboys.

He won two Super Bowls with the Giants and carries a career record of 183-138-1, good for the ninth-most wins in NFL history.

"I am in good health and feel lucky to have been able to coach in the NFL for an extended period of time," Parcells said. "I leave the game and the NFL with nothing but good feelings and gratitude to all the players, coaches and other people that have assisted me in that regard."

Jones is expected to chase a big name to replace Parcells, but the Titans worked quickly to make it known Fisher won't be in the mix.

The Titans exercised a one-year option on Fisher and his coordinators at the end of 2006 that locked him up for the 2007 season.

He and the team are expected to resume negotiations on a long-term deal after the Titans hire a new general manager. They are expected to resume interviews for that position later this week.

Fisher and his agent, Marvin Demoff, did not return calls seeking comment.

In 2002, Tampa Bay gave Oakland two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks and $8 million over three seasons in exchange for the right to sign Coach Jon Gruden.