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Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Makes Big Bill Parcells Announcement

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 9:41 AM ET

When it comes to head coaches, the New England Patriots are often associated with Bill Belichick, and for good reason. Belichick won six Super Bowls in New England, making the Patriots the preeminent NFL dynasty of the 2000s and 2010s.

The team's run was unmatched for nearly two decades, but he wasn't the first coach to take the team to the Super Bowl. Belichick turned the Patriots into champions, but another head coach is being recognized for his contributions to the franchise.

On Tuesday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that former head coach Bill Parcells will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.

Kraft noted that he offered Parcells the opportunity to be inducted, and the former coach accepted.

Robert Kraft announces that he called Bill Parcells and told him he would like to induct him as a contributor to the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Parcells accepted.

Significant developments given the history. pic.twitter.com/RtzYrJW8vz
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 1, 2025

Parcells coached the Patriots from 1993 through 1996. He led them to the playoffs twice, and to the Super Bowl in his final season. The loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl was only the team's second appearance in the big game to that point.

In total, Parcells had a 32-32 record with New England through four seasons. His tenure included one division championship before moving to coach the New York Jets.

In addition to the Patriots and Jets, Parcells also coached for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. He won two Super Bowls as the Giants' head coach and had Belichick as his defensive coordinator,

Parcells brought several players to New England who would go on to become franchise legends, including Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy and Drew Bledsoe.

DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 2: Head Coach Bill Parcells of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during the preseason NFL game at Texas Stadium on September 2, 2004 in Dallas, Texas. The Cowboys won 24-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Parcells was unable to deliver the franchise's first Super Bowl title during his own tenure as head coach, but his personnel decisions laid the foundation for Belichick to do it a few years later.

The Patriots were among the worst teams in football for much of their early existence, but Parcells was one of the more influential figures in team history when it comes to changing that perception.

New England is looking to the future after hiring Mike Vrabel and prepping quarterback Drake Maye for his second season. We'll see how things go for him in year two, and we'll find out when the Patriots will formally induct Parcells this season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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