Happy New Year Phin Nation!! We hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year’s celebration. Earlier this week we reviewed the reasons why Tony Sparano should be retained as Miami Dolphins head coach for 2011. Today we’ll take a look at why a coaching change is needed. After week 17 we’ll have a poll where you can vote for whether or not you think Sparano should be back for 2011.
Diminishing returns
Sparano quickly turned around the 1-15 Miami Dolphins and won the division title with an 11-5 record in 2008. BUT, since then he is just 14-17. That is unacceptable, especially considering that year 3 of a regime is usually when they start to gel and improvement is noticeable. Sparano’s players love him, and the locker room respects him. However, if the team is not winning, that could quickly change. The job of an NFL coach is to put his players in the best position to win and while we believe Sparano does that, the wins aren’t there.
Too Conservative
Tony’s conservatism ranks right up there with Rush Limbaugh. From his in game management of playing not to lose, to the way he treats his coaches. Does anyone remember how poorly the Dolphins special teams were last year and early this year? A change at ST coordinator was warranted, but wasn’t made. Additionally, Tony has stuck by Dan Henning this year, even though his play calling is at times atrocious. Seriously, it’s as if a 4 year old got a hold of the XBOX controller and was calling the plays in a Madden 2011 game. The question is, how much of his maddening playcalling is coming from Henning and how much of it is because of the philosophy of Sparano? Phin Nation is tired of seeing the team play it safe and opt for a run on 3rd and 9 because they are within field goal range.
Other Options
This is Sparano’s first shot at a head coaching job and if fired, he would likely get a job somewhere else eventually. But if Stephen Ross gets word that a certain ex-Steelers coach is seriously interested in the Dolphins job, he should have a discrete sit down with him. We also think Jon Gruden would be a good fit in Miami. The only danger is that beyond those 2 names, the options aren’t that attractive. The worst thing that could happen would be for Ross to fire Sparano and be left with a retread.
Ineptness at Home
1-7…..ONE AND SEVEN! How can a football team not named the Cincinnati Bengals lose 7 of 8 games at home in a season. HOW?! We have not heard one logical reason for this. Sparano doesn’t have one, NO ONE DOES! Stephen Ross has certainly noticed the dismal play at Sun Life. He prides himself on selling more than football to fans. He wants fans to enjoy the experience of going to a game. Well, losing 7 out of 8 times in front of those fans in Miami Gardens, will have them leaving with a bad experience. Sparano did a great job of getting 6 wins out of the team on the road, which is a mark of a good team. But recent losses to the Bills and Lions at home have fans scratching their heads about what could have been if the team just went .500 at home.
There you have it, our list of reasons for and against firing Tony Sparano. Let us know what you think and we’ll have the poll up on Tuesday. Let’s Go Dolphins!!!
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