Reports: Payton leaving N.Y. for Cowboys

<br>DALLAS (AP) _ Offensive coordinator Sean Payton is leaving the New York Giants to join Bill Parcells with the Dallas Cowboys. <br><br>Several published reports Friday said Payton will become the Cowboys'

Friday, January 10th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DALLAS (AP) _ Offensive coordinator Sean Payton is leaving the New York Giants to join Bill Parcells with the Dallas Cowboys.

Several published reports Friday said Payton will become the Cowboys' assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach, with an official announcement expected as early as Friday.

Payton's departure from the Giants had been expected after he was stripped of play-calling duties by head coach Jim Fassel midway through the season. The 39-year-old Payton had called plays for the Giants since midway through the 1999 season.

Payton would not confirm that he was leaving when reached Thursday by the New York Daily News. Parcells and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones couldn't be reached for comment.

``I don't know if that's accurate of not,'' Giants vice president John V. Mara said.

Payton had one year left on his contract in New York.

The hiring of Payton likely means that no one from the Cowboys' current offensive staff will be retained. Quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson is the only holdover from Dave Campo's offensive staff. Wilson has two years remaining on his contract.

Monday, Parcells brought in Maurice Carthon as offensive coordinator to replace Bruce Coslet. But Parcells had indicated that Carthon might not call the plays.