Confessions of a Simplistically Complex Group of Masterminds

Confessions of a Simplistically Complex Group of Masterminds

Miami Dolphins Coaching Staff PROFILE Edition

So you think you have what it takes to be an NFL Head Coach?

Can you develop a team winning strategy while ensuring each and every person, from coaches to the maintenance crew, performs on one accord? Assess your team’s strengths and weaknesses day in and day out? Battle endemic insomnia, survive a grueling and tedious sixteen game schedule all while your job security is probably in limbo.

Most importantly win, win, and win!

Then while you’re at it, rewrite a couple of records in the record book and voila; you get to keep your job for another year.

Well, obviously someone failed to give Cam Cameron, former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, that memo.

In the NFL, the right coaching decisions combined with focused preparation can turn a last place team into a championship contender-Introducing Tony Sparano and his staff of quintessential masterminds.

Tony Sparano: The Leader

Born October 7, 2961; Tony Sparano’s road to glory may have been long, but it is indeed unique. Sparano went from head coach of the University of New Haven to becoming the first coach in NFL history to lead a one win NFL team to a playoff berth the following year.

Sparano is a veteran of nine seasons in the NFL and this will be the fifth different team he has been with. The New Haven native, who has 24 years of coaching experience overall, got his start in the league with the Cleveland Browns in 1999 as the offensive quality control coach. He was promoted to offensive line coach in 2000, and then became the Washington Redskins' tight ends coach in 2001.

Why you have to respect him…

The guy just has a knack for understanding what it takes to win and receives very little credit. Let’s just admit it, the guy is brilliant. He wasn’t afraid to test the waters by putting Matt Roth at linebacker, Ronnie Brown at QB etc.

The NFL is like a dynamic game of chess; every move counts. In this league your every move is already assessed before you make it and Sparano knew that. By taking the chances he did last year he reached a plateau that many didn’t expect from him in his first year, so you have no choice but to respect him.

Offensive Coaches: The Voices

Dan Henning (OC) was the offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers from 2002-06. He embarks on his second stint with the Dolphins, having served as the team’s quarterbacks and receivers coach from 1979-80 under Don Shula.

James Saxon (RB) comes to the Dolphins after having spent eight years as an NFL assistant, including the past seven as running backs coach with the Kansas City Chiefs. In Saxon’s seven-year stint with the Chiefs, three different backs earned Pro Bowl status, including running backs Priest Holmes (2001-03) and Larry Johnson (2005-06), as well as fullback Tony Richardson (2003-04).

David Lee (QB) comes to the team with four years of experience at the NFL level, all with the Dallas Cowboys

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