Then they split. Parcells retired, only to return to the sidelines in 1993 as coach of the New England Patriots. Belichick was hired in 1991 as head man with the Cleveland Browns.
On Sunday, in a pivotal game for both teams, Belichick and Parcells will be together again, but this time on opposite sides of the Cleveland Stadium field.
"I'd do whatever I could for Bill -- but not this week,'' Belichick said.
The Browns (6-2) are headed toward the difficult part of their schedule and can't afford to stumble against the Patriots (3-5), losers of three straight.
In other games Sunday, it's Chicago at Tampa Bay; Detroit vs. Green Bay at Milwaukee; Indianapolis at Miami; New Orleans at Minnesota; Pittsburgh at Houston; San Diego at Atlanta; San Francisco at Washington; Arizona at Philadelphia; Buffalo at the New York Jets; Cincinnati at Seattle; Denver at the Angeles Rams; and the Los Angeles Raiders at Kansas City. The New York Giants visit Dallas on Monday night.
Two other coaching matchups are intriguing: Arizona, with Buddy Ryan returning to Philadelphia, and San Diego, with Bobby Ross back in Atlanta.
"It's time for us to make a move," Ryan said as the Cardinals (3-5) prepared for a trip to Philadelphia, where Ryan is still very popular and current coach Rich Kotite, despite a 6-2 mark, is not.
Pressed to name which team had the coaching advantage in the game, Ryan didn't hesitate. "I don't think there's any question that we do," he said. "I've got about 20 years experience."
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.