Sparano axed, out as head coach of Miami Dolphins

BOSTON--Well, that's that.

This time last week we were talking about Tony Sparano possibly keeping, scratch that, saving his job.  This time last week the Dolphins were enjoying the day off after a 34-14 drubbing of the Oakland Raiders.  This time last week Todd Bowles was the assistant head coach to then head coach Tony Sparano.

My, what a difference a week makes.

The Tony Sparano era in Miami, is over.

Reports surfaced just hours after the Dolphins 26-10 loss to the Eagles that Tony Sparano would be fired after the season finale against the Jets.

Stephen Ross, however, couldn't wait any longer.  Along with GM Jeff Ireland, Ross relieved coach Sparano of his duties, effective immediately, on Monday afternoon.


"I feel that it's in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins that we replace him at this time," Ross said. "As you know, when I purchased the team I told you it was nothing more important to me at all than being a winning team and bring back the glory to Miami." 


And so the Stephen Ross era officially begins in Miami.


He no longer faces the difficult decision of what to do with Tony Sparano, as I wrote in my column last week, once the season is over.  The only decision Stephen Ross has now is the most important decision he'll make as owner of the Miami Dolphins. 


 Finding the next head coach.


"I'd like to find a young Don Shula, if that's possible," Ross said. "Certainly, we will look at everybody, interview them and try to find the person that we think would be the best fit."


Until Ross and GM Jeff Ireland, who according to the owner is safe (but that's a whole other topic), find the next "young Don Shula," assistant and defensive backs coach Todd Bowles will step in on an interim basis starting this Sunday in upstate New York against the Buffalo Bills.  Bowles, who is black, fulfills the Rooney Rule aspect of NFL requirements for filling vacancies, and is considered by many to be a legitimate head coach in the future.


Tony Sparano was 29-32 in nearly four years as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, including a division title and playoff appearance in 2008.

Check back tomorrow here at the Dolphinsider as we continue to breakdown the day that was for the Miami Dolphins.