ATLANTA (AP) — Bill Parcells could become the Atlanta Falcons' vice president of football operations, a role that would put him in charge of finding the team's next coach.

Parcells is considering an offer to join the team's front office, a person familiar with the negotiations said on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing.

Rich McKay, the team's president and general manager since December 2003, did not immediately return a phone message on Tuesday night.

The offer was first reported by ESPN.com.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank declined comment when asked about Parcells late Tuesday night.

Parcells' agent, Jimmy Sexton, did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.

Emmitt Thomas is 0-1 as Atlanta's interim head coach, a job he inherited when Bobby Petrino resigned suddenly a week ago. Petrino went 3-10 with the Falcons before taking the Arkansas job.

Parcells resigned in January after four years as the Dallas coach. During a 19-year career that also included coaching the New York Giants, New England Patriots and New York Jets, Parcells made it to three Super Bowls, winning twice with the Giants.

Known best for a gruff demeanor and colorful quotes, Parcells left coaching with the ninth-most wins in NFL history and a career record of 183-138-1. He was 34-32 in Dallas, including 0-2 in the postseason.

''I am in good health and feel lucky to have been able to coach in the NFL for an extended period of time,'' Parcells said when he left the Cowboys. ''I leave the game and the NFL with nothing but good feelings and gratitude to all the players, coaches and other people that have assisted me in that regard.''

McKay's future with the Falcons is uncertain. He came to Atlanta with impressive credentials, mentioned as a potential candidate to replace former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and considered a successful GM who helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their only Super Bowl in 2003.