Miami, Kansas City sack coaches

NFL strugglers Miami and Kansas City both sacked their respective coaches on Monday.

The Dolphins dismissed Tony Sparano after their 0-7 start to the season, while the Chiefs – with a record of 5-8 – parted ways with Todd Haley.

The Dolphins had since recovered their win-loss ratio to 4-9, but the recent surge was not enough to save Sparano’s job, and he will be replaced in the interim by defensive backs coach Todd Bowles.

Sparano spent nearly four years at the Miami franchise, and departs with a 29-32 record, but took the side to their only playoffs visit – in 2008 – in the past decade.

“It’s a lot of regret that I feel that it’s in the best interest in the Miami Dolphins that we replace him at this time,” Miami owner Stephen Ross said at a press conference.

“As you know, when I purchased the team I told you there was nothing more important to me at all than being a winning team and bringing back the glory to Miami that it had in the past.”

“What’s happened has been a lot of distraction that’s been occurring and speculation with regard if Tony will stay, if Tony will go, what will happen. 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.”

Bowles will take charge of the Dolphins for the first of three games, when Miami travel to Buffalo on Sunday.

As for the Chiefs, Haley will be replaced by defensive co-ordinator Romeo Crennel for the season’s final three games, starting with their home clash against unbeaten powerhouse Green Bay on Sunday.

Kansas City chairman and chief executive Clark Hunt said the Chiefs’ topsy-turvy season was not acceptable in the professional class of the NFL.

“Timing in these situations is always difficult. There never seems to be a right time,” Hunt said.

“We just felt the inconsistent play the team has experienced throughout the season, including yesterday’s game, made today (Monday) the right day to do it.”

Monday’s events have resulted in three coaches losing their jobs this season, with Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville) the other boss to be moved on last month.