Under That Gruff Exterior, Bill Parcells, Apparently, Is a Big Softie

Dolphins Overseer Bill Parcells is known for his gruff demeanor and his no-nonsense approach to tackle football, Sometimes it works (the Giants, and to a large extent, the Patriots), and other times it doesn't (everywhere else). But that doesn't mean the ornery ol' cuss still isn't coachin' 'em up. Or something.

Yesterday, the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson pointed out that Parcells, now officially the Dolphins front office (although he seems to spend a lot of time on the practice field) has taken several players under his wing. And for an outfit that reeled off one victory last season, it's probably a good idea. And one of his major undertakings is running back Ricky Williams, a potentially big cog in Miami's offense this season.

Off the field, Parcells has mentored ... Williams. ''Every day, we have a brief conversation,'' Williams said. "He's very good at trying to make sure I don't get discouraged and keeping me motivated. He gives me [inspirational] stories when he thinks I need a little push. I always knew I would love to play for a guy like that.''

Williams said ''there's not a doubt in my mind'' Parcells cares about him as a person: "He's usually laughing at me for some reason.''

For people who only know Parcells the hard-assed tyrant, it's an interesting perspective. But he has a history of working with players, particularly those that can have an impact on the team's fortune.

But for every Lawrence Taylor, there are also guys like wideout Derek Hagan, and cornerback Joey Thomas, two Dolphins players who can best be described as marginal. Still, Parcells seems just as interested in their careers as he is in Williams'. Part of that is coaching, no doubt, and part of it is trying to find a way to make this organization something other than the league laughing stock. Whatever, nobody's complaining.