The Dolphins fired coach Tony Sparano and named assistant head coach/secondary coach Todd Bowles interim coach.
"(Sparano) has really been a wonderful person, has done a wonderful job with the Miami Dolphins," owner Stephen Ross said. "It's with a lot of regret that I feel it's in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins that we replace him at this time."
While Ross believes the franchise has a good foundation of personnel, he made the final decision to fire Sparano on Monday morning in part to end rampant weekly speculation about his job status.
"It's been a lot of distraction that's been occurring in speculation in regard to if Tony will stay, will Tony go, what will happen," Ross said. "I think, in the interest of the football team, and the development of this team that this is the time that we need to make a change. It will allow us to have plenty of time to interview and find what I hope will be the coach that will lead us back to the glory of the past.
Ross said that search will begin immediately, but denied reports that former Chiefs president Carl Peterson will be hired to fill the executive/advisory role previously held by Bill Parcells. Peterson currently works for Ross at FanVision.
"We will look at everyone we think can do the job, and we will do that until we find the right person," Ross said of the coaching search. "We will use all of the resources of this organization to undercover and find that person."
General manager Jeff Ireland will help lead the search for a new coach.
"Obviously I think you're looking for experience," Ireland said. "You're looking for the best candidate out there … guys who have been in the trenches before. We're looking for some of the same qualities I saw in Tony.
"I know the guy is going to be a football guy. I know that for sure."
Bowles will receive an interview for the permanent head coaching position.
"We're open to everything," Ross said when asked about whether he wants an experienced NFL head coach or would be willing to hire an up-and-coming coach. "I'd like to find a young Don Shula, if that's possible.
Ross was believed to be considering a coaching change after Miami opened the season 0-7, but the Dolphins rallied for three consecutive victories and then beat Oakland in Week 13 to reach 4-8 before Sunday's home loss to Philadelphia.
Sparano becomes the third coach fired this season, and the second one on Monday. Kansas City fired Todd Haley earlier in the day and Jacksonville parted ways with Jack Del Rio go two weeks ago.
Sparano was 29-33 in four seasons with the Dolphins.
"Obviously he wasn't very happy about it," Ross said of Sparano's reaction Monday to being fired. "I think he understood. He might even have been relieved because he's been under a tremendous amount of pressure, and you could probably see it on his face."
That Sparano got a fourth season on the sideline only came after significant drama following last season.
Ross flew cross-country with Ireland to meet with Jim Harbaugh, although Sparano was still under contract. The sides were unable to reach an agreement, with the Stanford coach ultimately being hired by the 49ers. Ross was also interested in former NFL head coaches Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden.
Ross eventually admitted he bungled the situation and gave Sparano a two-year contract extension.
Sparano was hired by Parcells to coach the Dolphins after the two worked together with the Dallas Cowboys. Sparano was 11-5 in his first season, leading the Dolphins to the AFC East title, although Miami lost to Baltimore in the AFC Wild Card round. Two 7-9 seasons followed, leading to increased speculation about Sparano's job, especially with Parcells leaving the franchise.
NFL: Who will claim the AFC's top seed?
NFL: Can the Saints challenge the Packers?
Copyright © 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Signing in ensures ratings are counted accurately and prevents system abuse.
Sign in to rate or, sign up for a new account.
