Sparano Lands Dolphins' Head Coach Job AP Posted: 2008-01-16 11:03:17 http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/sparano-lands-dolphins-head-coach-job/20080116110009990001 DAVIE, Fla. (Jan. 16) - Tony Sparano has been named the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Sparano arrived at the Miami Dolphins' complex Wednesday morning wearing a suit, appropriate attire for one final interview that led to his first NFL head coaching job. The Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach was accompanied by new Miami general manager Jeff Ireland. Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga soon joined them, then left about an hour later. "Stay tuned," Huizenga said from his car as he pulled out of the parking lot. Sparano, 46, became available for hire when the Cowboys lost their playoff game Sunday to the New York Giants. He has been the front-runner for the Dolphins job since they fired Cam Cameron after he went 1-15 in his first year as an NFL head coach. Ireland interviewed Sparano in Dallas on Jan. 5. They worked together with the Cowboys, where Parcells was head coach from 2003-06. Sparano arrived Tuesday evening in South Florida aboard a jet owned by Huizenga for a second interview. The coach then went to dinner with a group that included Huizenga, Parcells and Ireland. The Dolphins earlier interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. But none of them has direct ties to Ireland or Parcells, and Ireland has said it's important that he and Parcells be familiar with the new coach. Sparano also interviewed for head jobs with the Ravens and Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins have repeatedly tapped the Dallas pipeline since the arrival of Parcells. Former Dallas assistant David Lee was hired as quarterbacks coach, and on Tuesday, Brian Gaine was hired as assistant director of player personnel after three years as the Cowboys' assistant director of pro scouting. Sparano joined Parcells in Dallas in 2003 as tight ends coach, became offensive line coach in 2005 and called plays for Parcells in 2006. He was promoted to assistant head coach last February. His only head coaching experience was at New Haven in 1994-98. Miami's search has been much less extensive than a year ago, when at least a dozen coaches were interviewed and Huizenga traveled as far as Costa Rica to meet with potential candidates. The Dolphins are coming off the worst season in team history. They lost their first 13 games and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year, extending a franchise record. ___________________________________________________________ No surprise there.
Interesting... I thought it was a done deal. Must be trying to get a bidding war going by waiting to see what Atlanta is willing to do.
Yeah I wouldn't be surprise if they make the playoffs next year....just like we did with the first time head coach.
Parcells has hired 3 or 4 former Cowboys for multiple positions around the Miami franchise. I think the Cowboys are gonna struggle next year and boy do I wanna see that. Owens is a year older, a couple of the coaches are leaving the franchise and too much drama is going on with Romo. I think their opportunity to win a Super Bowl will end in the next 2 years.
