Sources: Bill Parcells leaves offices

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Bill Parcells is still working as a consultant for the Miami Dolphins, but he is no longer taking part in the day-to-day decisions and activities of the team, according to league sources.

Parcells has packed his bags and moved out of the Dolphins' offices. Miami knew this move was coming, but didn't realize Parcells' departure would happen so soon.

Many around the league expected Parcells to finish the season and then move on from the organization. The Dolphins must still pay Parcells the balance of the $12 million due to him under a four-year contract that expires after the 2011 season.

Parcells was hired by Wayne Huizenga as the Dolphins staggered to the end of a 1-15 season in 2007. In the Parcells regime's first year in 2008, Miami made a great leap forward to 11-6 and a playoff berth under first-year NFL coach Tony Sparano, who also came from the Cowboys.

Without Parcells, day-to-day responsibilities fall to general manager Jeff Ireland and Sparano.

Parcells worked a full schedule in his first two years with the team. He arrived early each day, watched practices from a golf cart, poured over film and offered players frequent feedback.

That routine ended at the conclusion of this year's training camp, but the 69-year-old Parcells has continued to attend some practices.

Parcells rarely speaks to the media, but in a conference call with reporters last month, he said he expects to find something to keep him busy when he leaves the Dolphins. Some took the comments as a signal he's in the market for a new job.

"I'm not a 'sit-around-the-fireplace' guy," Parcells said. "We'll see what happens when the time comes, but I know I want to do something, even if it's not day to day."

As a coach, Parcells took over losing teams with the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys and transformed them into winners. He won five division titles in 19 seasons and led the Giants to two Super Bowl championships.

Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter for ESPN Insider. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Adam Schefter

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• ESPN NFL Insider
• Joined ESPN in 2009
• Former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and the author of four books