NFL: Parcells unlikely to take the Saints job

prefers to remain retired rather than coach the Saints, according to multiple reports. PATRICK SEMANSKY / AP (Bill Parcells)

Associated Press

Posted: April 11, 2012

NEW ORLEANS - Bill Parcells is unlikely to become the New Orleans Saints' interim coach, according to multiple reports.

Parcells prefers to remain retired and not replace his protege Sean Payton, who will serve a season-long suspension for his role in New Orleans' bounty system, the reports said.

On Tuesday, Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said the team "has nothing to report" concerning the search for an interim coach.

Parcells' agent, Jimmy Sexton, also declined comment.

If the Saints decide to select a replacement from their existing staff, the leading candidates are: assistant head coach Joe Vitt, who will serve a six-game suspension; offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.; offensive line coach Aaron Kromer; and new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Brees on board

Drew Brees is sticking up for the Saints and said they'll continue to thrive despite coach Sean Payton's season-long suspension for his role in the bounty system.

Speaking at a news conference to promote his charity golf tournament in Carlsbad, Calif., the 2010 Super Bowl MVP said there was a difference between pay-for-performance and pay-for-injury.

Brees also declined to say whether he'd show up for offseason workouts that begin Monday as a way of protesting being hit with the Saints' franchise tag.

Smith gets deal

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, who will turn 33 in May, signed a contract extension that will likely keep him in Carolina at least through 2015. A source said Smith will earn approximately $18 million in guaranteed money over the next three seasons. There is also a club option for the 2016 season.

Smith has caught 699 passes during his career for 10,278 yards, with 59 touchdown receptions, and he holds almost every receiving record in team history. He also has six returns for touchdowns - four on punts and two on kickoffs.

Elsewhere: Minnesota signed linebacker Marvin Mitchell, who spent last season with Miami, playing primarily on special teams. . . . Pittsburgh signed veteran tight end Leonard Pope to a one-year contract for undisclosed financial terms.