Miami Coaching Search: Tony Sparano Hired by Dolphins

According to Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com, former Dallas assistant head coach Tony Sparano is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Pasquarelli writes that Sparano signed a four-year contract worth about $2.5- $2.7 million a year. 

Sparano has a past history with VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells. Parcells actually hired Sparano when he was the head coach at Dallas.

Sparano is confident that Parcells taught him well.

"Coach Parcells has taught me the most, prepared me the most for this job. He's taught me a great deal and I'm going to continue to learn as much as I can."

Before Sparano was hired at Dallas in 2003, he was involved with the Cleveland Browns, the Washington Redskins, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Dolphin's General Manager Jeff Ireland seems confident that Sparano is the man for the job.

"We wanted someone who understood how to develop young players, one who could instill a culture that's all about winning. We think we found that guy. We know we found that guy."

Ireland previously worked in Dallas with both Sparano and Parcells. Although Ireland worked in the personnel department as vice president of college and pro scouting, he is familiar with Sparano's coaching style and abilities.

Bill Parcells declined to talk to the media Wednesday.