Bill Belichick still belongs to the New York Jets -- at least until somebody pays enough to free him.

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That might be the New England Patriots and it might happen very soon.

While commissioner Paul Tagliabue didn't completely rule in favor of the Jets on Friday, he did uphold their rights to Belichick through the 2000 season. Tagliabue ruled Belichick breached his contract, which has three years remaining, when he resigned as coach of the Jets on Jan. 4 and cannot work for another team this year without the Jets' approval.

While the Patriots reportedly have been working behind the scenes to free Belichick from the Jets, Tagliabue's ruling made it clear he expects both teams to come up with an agreement this month.

"Taken as a whole, the contract and the related memoranda constitute an agreement that Mr. Belichick would be the Jets' head coach except when Mr. (Bill) Parcells served in that capacity," Tagliabue ruled in a grievance filed by Belichick. "The agreement contemplated that Mr. Belichick would automatically succeed to the head coaching position if Mr. Parcells was no longer head coach."

Parcells stepped down as coach the day before Belichick resigned.

Neil Cornrich, Belichick's lawyer, threatened legal action against the league.

"We think the commissioner's decision is unlawful and we are actively assessing all of our legal options," Cornrich said.

"The commissioner's ruling and order are clear and self-explanatory," Parcells said. "The Jets will have no further comment at this time."

Belichick is sought by the Patriots for their vacant coaching position and a personnel role. Now that the grievance has been dismissed, the Patriots will need to negotiate with the Jets, bringing almost full circle the teams' off-field relationship regarding coaches.

In 1997, the Jets sent four draft picks to New England to get Parcells released from his contract with the Patriots. Questions of possible tampering by the Jets raised those stakes.

Now, the Jets figure to get some draft choices back for Belichick, who came to New York with Parcells and was defensive coordinator -- and coach-in-waiting -- until earlier this month.

Don't expect the Jets to get four picks for Belichick, however. He doesn't have the proven track record of Parcells. While Parcells has led three teams to the Super Bowl, Belichick had one winning season in five at Cleveland. Something along the lines of a pair of second-rounders is more likely.

But even before any negotiations take place, the Jets must clear up their muddled coaching situation. Parcells apparently doesn't want to resume coaching, even though new owner Woody Johnson is in favor of exactly that. And Johnson did not limit a search for a coach to the Jets' staff, although Parcells apparently favors linebackers coach Al Groh to take over.

If Bill Belichick coaches another team in 2000, the Jets will receive compensation from that team.(AP)

Tagliabue rejected claims by Belichick that he never actually assumed the head coaching job. The commissioner cited "more than 10" discussions between Belichick and Parcells about the prospect of Belichick becoming coach after the 1999 season.

Tagliabue denied the Jets' claim that Belichick should be barred from leaving for another team for the remaining three years on his contract. This ruling applied to 2000 only.

Tagliabue cited the uncertainty in the Jets' coaching situation, and told both sides to address three points by Feb. 1:

• Whether the Jets' contract rights to Belichick should extend through 2002, or should be limited to the 2000 season.
• Whether the contract rights should remain in place if Parcells returns as coach.
• What procedures should be followed to determine whether the Jets are entitled to damages for Belichick's breach of contract.
• Patriots spokesman Stacey James said, "This information doesn't change anything with us. It's still between Belichick and the Jets."

AP NEWS
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