Tony Sparano’s firing as Miami Dolphins’ head coach and prospects with Dallas Cowboys – NFL Special
After being fired by Miami Dolphins where he served three years as head coach, Tony Sparano is now contemplating his options and thinking where he should end up now.
There are rumours doing the rounds that New York Jets and Sparano have reached an agreement, but as long as official announcement is not made, let’s see where else he could utilise his talent.
Sparano has experience in coaching at different levels and with different franchises. Here is a brief look at how he reached the top to serve as head coach for the Dolphins.
His Career
Sparano started his coaching career in 1984 with the University of New Haven where he was appointed as coach for the offensive line.
After serving there for four years, he joined Boston University. In his five-year career at Boston, he first served as coach for the offensive line and was later promoted to the post of offensive coordinator.
In 1994, he returned to the University of New Haven where he was now appointed as the head coach.
Sparano and NFL
Sparano began his National Football League (NFL) coaching career in 1999 as Cleveland Browns’ assistant coach. He served there for short period of time and later joined Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars as tight ends’ coach. His association with
both the franchise stayed limited.
Sparano finally managed a destination where he could strengthen his roots. In 2003, he joined Dallas Cowboys as tight ends’ coach. After two years, he was the running game coordinator for the Cowboys and managed their offensive line.
In 2007, which was Sparano’s last year with the Cowboys, he was promoted to serve as assistant head coach while continuing his responsibilities of managing the offensive line.
In 2008, he was appointed as head coach for Miami Dolphins. In his first year, he impressively led the Dolphins and won the American Football Conference (AFC) — East division title.
However, the Dolphins began regressing in later years and Sparano had to pay the price. On December 12, 2011, he was fired.
What about Dallas Cowboys?
Dallas Cowboys was the first franchise in the league where Sparano built a firm platform that led him to the post of head coach at the Dolphins.
Now, when he is looking for different options, the Cowboys are worth giving a thought.
Why the Cowboys?
Halfway through the regular season, the Cowboys were battling with New York Giants for the first position in the NFC East division ranking.
As the season progressed, the Giants began slumping and the Cowboys won a few games to become in-charge of the division.
However, they failed badly during the last four games and ended the season at 8-8; staying a game behind the Giants, who qualified for the playoffs as the division leaders.
The Cowboys desperately need a veteran to work on their offensive line and Sparano is the first name that comes to mind in this regard.
Benefits at Dallas
Sparano has already served in a coaching capacity at Dallas. This makes him no stranger to the conditions, management and the players, who would definitely love to have him back in the side.
Furthermore, Cowboys’ owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, is renowned for investing handsomely in the interest of the franchise. One of the league’s highest paying staff and players can be found in Dallas. So, it is safe to assume that Sparano would
receive much better monetary benefits at Dallas.
What he can do?
If Sparano joins the Cowboys, he can provide the much needed support to coach, Jason Garrett, who would then be able to focus more on other aspects of the game and leave the play calling to Sparano.
Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo, had the best season of his career, but he failed to lead the team to the postseason. With Romo is splendid form, Sparano can work on other problems faced by offensive line and could produce better result in the next season.
If he succeeds, he will be able to lead his team to victory besides improving his reputation, which is hurt badly after being fired.
What’s the problem?
The only problem for Sparano is the presence of head coach, Jason Garrett. Not that they both despise each other, but in the presence of one head coach, Sparano will have to be a subordinate.
After enjoying being the coaching head at the Dolphins, it might not be easy for him to take a step back and begin serving as offensive coordinator.
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