Parcells To Skip Pro Bowl

New York Jets coach Bill Parcells has been excused from coaching the AFC team in the Pro Bowl for medical reasons.

Parcells, who has never coached in the game and begged off working the Senior Bowl last year, received permission from NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Tuesday to skip the all-star game on Feb. 7 in Honolulu.

Parcells underwent a series of medical tests last week and two doctors who examined him said he should not work the game.

"Coach Parcells was examined by his cardiologist, as well as by me in my office a couple of days after the Denver game," Jets medical director Elliott Pellman said, referring to the 23-10 loss for the AFC Championship on Jan. 17. "He clearly was showing the physical effects of the long season. Given his medical history, I told him that he should not travel to Hawaii and participate in the Pro Bowl. He will remain under my care for the forseeable future."

Parcells left coaching in 1991, quitting the New York Giants because of health problems. He has undergone several heart procedures.

"I was in the midst of preparation for the Pro Bowl with my staff and fully planned to carry out my obligation under the NFL guidelines," Parcells said. "But after undergoing a thorough medical examination, I feel it would be a big mistake on my part not to listen to the doctors.

"I have nothing but respect for the Pro Bowl and the great players who are in it. Frankly, I'll miss being around them."

In his place, assistant head coach Bill Belichick will run the AFC team, along with the entire Jets coaching staff.

Minnesota's Dennis Green will coach the NFC.

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