Surprise: Owens Blasts Parcells

Terrell Owens seems almost happy that Bill Parcells retired after coaching the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons, according to a report in the Forth Worth Star-Telegram.

What's more, Owens reportedly said that not having the Big Tuna around the locker room will be good for the team.

Owens spoke to the newspaper from Miami, Fla., where he is recovering from finger surgery. He said his play and that of the Cowboys was disappointing during the past season. And the results — at least in part — can be attributed to Parcells.

"I am just hoping his retirement brings promise to what the team has to offer," Owens said. "This past year was a big letdown. On paper we were as good as anybody we played against every week. The end result didn't show that. Our play was not indicative of what we could have done. What we should have done. Hopefully, the owner will hire a coach to take the team to the next level."

T.O. reportedly said that Parcells created an unhealthy locker room environment, claiming the legendary coach would sometimes not talk to him for months. What more, Parcells did not offer Owens any words of encouragement following his accidental overdose.

"Sometimes change is good," Owens told the Star-Telegram, referring to Parcells' decision to step aside on Monday. "I think it was needed."

Owens seems to remain fond of Parcells, but he suggested that the Big Tuna was, among other things, stubborn.

"Coming into this season and this situation, I wanted to be positive," Owens told the Star-Telegram. "When I talked to him for the first time we left an impression on each other. I still think he is a great guy. But he is like my grandmother. You love the person, but they are stuck in their old-school ways. You can't move them from their way of thought."

T.O. also suggested that there was a feeling of disorganization within the ranks.

"You don't know who is doing what," Owens said. "You don't know who is calling plays. That is why our offense was up and down. You saw that at the end of the year. It filtered off. We as a team felt the frustration. I felt the frustration. But Bill is Bill."

Owens also candidly admitted that he did not play up to his potential during the past season. But he also claimed that he did not fit correctly into the team's offense.

"I was underutilized in the offense," Owens said. "A new coach can be good for the Cowboys. It's not just me. But my teammates know I could have done more. I wasn't used as a No. 1 receiver. If you don't involve a guy, that person is not going to be as productive as he can be. That's how I felt."