Miami Dolphins: Tony Sparano Likely To Stay As Head Coach After This Season

Ever since the Dolphins lost to the Bills last week and former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher reportedly put the Dolphins amongst the three organizations he'd come back to coach, Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano has been on the hot seat.

However, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Sparano will likely be retained if he can convince Dolphins owner Stephen Ross that some changes will be made, primarily in his coordinators, and that he can develop a quarterback.

Now I'm not going to name any Hennings names, but I'm pretty sure we know where this is going.

Ross, much like the fans, is demanding that Sparano either let Henning retire gracefully (something he should've done after last season), or terminate Henning. I doubt Mike Nolan is involved because of the fact that the Dolphins defense looks like they'll finish in the top 10 this season.

As for developing a quarterback, look for the Dolphins to draft one in the first round if there's a quarterback available. Luck most likely will be a top three pick, but Cam Newton, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett might still be available. I've already sung the praises of Mallett, and he would be a good quarterback for the Dolphins to draft and develop.

While reporting this, Mort also noted that Saints head coach and former Cowboys assistant with Sparano, Sean Payton, had the same record with the Saints going into his fourth year that Sparano will have going into his fourth year. In Payton's fourth year with the Saints he won the Super Bowl.

Then again, Payton has his quarterback, which the Dolphins do not have.

So what does the future truly hold for this team? With the possible lockout, expect Mort's report to be correct and see Tony Sparano back in Miami with a new offensive coordinator in tow, for Ross will most likely not want to pay big money for a big time coach, at least for this year.

This will make the 2011 season for Sparano playoffs or bust. However look at the Chicago Bears. Last season they finished 7-9 and everyone assumed that Smith was out the door. However, Lovie completely cleaned up his staff and brought in new coordinators, and now they're NFC North champions.

Could that be the fate of the Dolphins? If Sparano is coming back, we could only hope.

Thomas Galicia is a Miami Dolphins featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He also at times writes about the Miami Heat, Chicago Cubs, and University of Miami Hurricanes. For his musings on subjects other than sports, check out www.thomasgalicia.com, or follow him on twitter, @thomasgalicia.