Tony Sparano Fired? Odds on Who'll Coach Miami Dolphins in 2011

"It's 8am, has Tony Sparano been fired yet?"

That's a tweet I sent out right after I woke up and before I began writing this article. 

With yesterday's atrocious performance by the Miami Dolphins, in the words of NFL Network's Michael Lombardi:

"By the way, Tony Sparano of the Fins was 100 percent safe Sunday at 1. But by 4 pm and getting whipped by the Pats, I am not sure."

Me neither. Last week, I wrote an article citing a Chris Mortensen segment on SportsCenter where he stated that Sparano would be back next season pending a change of coordinators. 

But that was before yesterday's abortion of a football game.

I mean, the team just quit on him. The defense, the strength of the season, was nowhere to be found.

While the offense was the offense. What a great way for Dan Henning to leave, go down with play action on third-and-10. You can either live by that, or die by that, but more often than not, you're going to die by that.

So what does the future hold for the Miami Dolphins?

Let's take a look at the odds of possible future coaches for the Miami Dolphins.

Tony Sparano: Even Odds

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Tony Sparano on the sideline against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

AGE: 49

RECORD: 25-24 (counting the playoffs, where he's 0-1)

Previous Jobs: Head Coach, Miami Dolphins (2008-present?); Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach, Dallas Cowboys (2003-2007); Tight Ends Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars (2002); Tight Ends, Coach Washington Redskins (2001); Offensive Quality Control Coach, Cleveland Browns (1999, and no that's not an ironic statement that was actually his job.)

MILESTONES: Became the first coach to lead a one-win team to the post-season the next year. 

PROS: The fact that he's been the head coach here for the last three years and has one year left on a fairly inexpensive contract. Plus he did win the division his first year with the team.

CONS: His never-ending support yet constant jerking around of Chad Henne not only is partly to blame for Henne not developing into the right quarterback, but also potentially killed off any trade value Henne might have, which last season would've been a fourth- or fifth-rounder and now is potentially lucky to get you a eighth-round pick (note, only seven rounds in the NFL Draft.)

Plus, with no Parcells around this time to potentially save him, it looked like the team quit on him in the final game of the season.

If Sparano stays, than I'm taking this as a sign that an NFL Lockout is inevitable. The only way you could possibly justify keeping Sparano around after this disaster of a season would be if there was no season next year and therefore his contract would just burn off the books. 

In other words, all NFL fans, be scared if Sparano is still the Miami Dolphins Head Coach next season, for that means the possibility of Sundays being spent shopping with wives and girlfriends.

Bill Cowher: 5 To 1

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - APRIL 4: Co-host Bill Cowher (L) and Hall of Famer Dan Marino during the NFL PLAYERS Gala at the Washington Hilton on April 4, 2008 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images for PLAYERS INC)

AGE: 53

RECORD: 161-99-1 (Including Playoffs where he's 12-9)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Panelist on NFL Today, CBS (2007-present); Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-2006); Defensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1991); Secondary and Special Teams Coach, Cleveland Browns (1985-1988)

Milestones: Super Bowl XL Champion. Two time AFC Champion (1995, 2005) Two time NFL Coach of the Year (1992, 2004)

PROS: An experienced coach who already has a Super Bowl ring, won division titles with the likes of Neil O'Donnell, Kordell Stewart, and Tommy Maddox at quarterback. 

CONS: Possibly more likely to be a reincarnation of the Jimmy Johnson era, which wouldn't be an improvement. Could find after a year that he's not as into it coaching as he thought and once was in Pittsburgh. Also take into account that the Steelers seem to have not missed a beat since he left.

Now Cowher would really be great if he could convince Dick LeBeau to leave the Steelers and become the defensive coordinator for the Dolphins.

That's not a potshot on Nolan (who will be mentioned later) more than it is praise for the job that LeBeau has done as a Defensive Coordinator in the NFL.

Also take into account that the Giants are keeping Coughlin, and the Texans are most likely keeping Kubiak, which means that only one team on the rumored Cowher "Wish List" is left...and its Miami.

Mike Nolan: 8 To 1

NFL Photos/Getty Images

DENVER - 2009: Mike Nolan of the Denver Broncos poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by NFL Photos)

AGE: 51

RECORD: 18-37 (No playoff experience as a head coach)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins (2010-present); Defensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos (2009); Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers (2005-2008); Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens (2001-2004); Defensive Coordinator, New York Jets (2000); Defensive Coordinator, Washington Redskins (1997-1999) 

Milestones: Fought for the right to wear a suit while 49ers Head Coach.

PROS: Can coach a defense well. Won't cost Ross much to promote him to head coach.

CONS: See record as Head Coach. 

Some guys are just not meant to be a Head Coach and only be a coordinator. Charlie Weis realized that when he took a job with Florida as their offensive coordinator (yet will probably be paid more than The U will pay their Head Coach next season), and Cam Cameron realized that when he became the Ravens offensive coordinator after his year as Dolphins Head Coach.

Only reason this hiring would be made is if Ross really likes Nolan and because other than Sparano he'll probably be the cheapest option out there.

Jon Gruden: 10 To 1

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs play against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

AGE: 47

RECORD: 100-85 (Including Playoffs, where he's 5-4)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Future Head Coach Of The University of Miami Hurricanes (One magical day in November 2010, reported, never confirmed, killed by hiring of Al Golden); Volunteer Assistant Offensive Line Coach, Carrollwood Day School, Tampa, Fla. (2010); Monday Night Football Analyst, ESPN (2009-present); Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-2008); Head Coach, Oakland Raiders (1998-2001); Offensive Coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles (1995-1997); Wide Receivers Coach, Green Bay Packers (1992-1994)

Milestones: Super Bowl XXXVII Champion (with Tony Dungy's players, which I have to bring up). Last head coach to leave the Raiders with his sanity intact (an accomplishment when working for Al Davis).

PROS: An experienced coach who already has a Super Bowl ring, won division titles with the likes of Brian Greise, Chris Simms and an over the hill Jeff Garcia.

Rejuvenated the career of Rich Gannon while in Oakland after many thought Gannon was a career backup at best. Knows a good football player when he sees it and points it out every Monday Night.

CONS: Only Super Bowl he won was with Tony Dungy's players. Fired after a major Buccaneers meltdown in 2008. Might be too expensive if a lockout is imminent.

Just read this if you haven't again. I've been banging the Gruden drum since November, even before he was rumored to take over the Hurricanes job.

Jim Harbaugh: 15 To 1

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal is covered with water from a Gatorade cooler by Andrew Luck #12 and Chike Amajoyi #43 after the Cardinal beat the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010

AGE: 47

RECORD: 57-27 (College, never been a head coach in the NFL, 28-21 at Stanford)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Head Coach, Stanford University (2007-present); Head Coach, University of San Diego (2004-2006); Quarterbacks Coach, Oakland Raiders (2002-2003); Non-paid Offensive Assistant, Western Kentucky University (1994-2001); NFL Quarterback for the Chicago Bears (1987-1993), Indianapolis Colts (1994-1997), Baltimore Ravens (1998), San Diego Chargers (1999-2000)

MILESTONES: 2010 Pac-10 Champion and BCS Berth (Stanford's first BCS Berth), 2005 and 2006 Pioneer League Championship at University of San Diego.

PROS: A young, hungry head coach who's had yet to prove himself in the NFL. Has already shown signs of success in both Division I-FCS and Division I-FBS. Has been shown to be able to groom a quarterback to succeed (Andrew Luck, likely the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL Draft.) Went to Michigan, the alma mater of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, and is playing in the Orange Bowl this year.

CONS: No NFL Head Coaching experience. But his brother John didn't have any either, yet has made it to the playoffs in his first three seasons in Baltimore. Went to Michigan, alma mater of embattled Dolphins Quarterback Chad Henne and might stubbornly feel like Henne could be a reclamation project for him because of the Michigan ties.  

The Michigan ties could also lead to the possibility of him pulling a Nick Saban if the Michigan job doesn't open up this year but does within the next few years.

It's still worth the risk, however its up to what Ross wants to do. According to The Sun-Sentinel's David Hyde, Ross, a Michigan Booster and alum, could be telling Harbaugh that he could either pull some strings to get him the Michigan job, or give him the job as Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Also take a look at the fact that there are two possible head coaching vacancies in the Bay Area, where he already resides. 

Then there's this, what if he doesn't want to leave Stanford, and what if Michigan fires Rich-Rod now?

Pat Riley: 1,000,000,000 To 1

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Miami Heat Team President Pat Riley watches on the sideline prior to the start of Super Bowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida

AGE: 65

RECORD: 2,075-1,321 (including playoffs where he's 171-111.)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Team President, Miami Heat (1995-present); Head Coach, Miami Heat (1995-2003, 2005-2008); Head Coach, New York Knickerbockers (1991-1994); Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers (1982-1990.)

Milestones: Five Time NBA Champion as Head Coach (four with Los Angeles, one with Miami.) Acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh while retaining Dwyane Wade. Screwed over the Knicks.

PROS: A proven winner who has some football experience (played Football while at Kentucky and was an All-American Defensive Back who was actually drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1966.) Could probably convince LeBron to play football, where he'd likely be unstoppable.

CONS: No NFL Head Coaching experience. Most likely no desire to leave his current job. This was a joke selection put in in order to break the monotony of Head Coaching Candidates and help Miami remind Miami Sports fans that all is not lost.

Really? You thought I was serious? Granted, I think he'd do a better job than at least Sparano.

Jeff Fisher: 18 To 1

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Jeff Fisher the Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans watches play during NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

AGE: 52

RECORD: 141-116 (including playoffs, where he's 5-6)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Head Coach, Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers (1994-present?); Defensive Coordinator, Houston Oilers (1994); Defensive Backs Coach, San Francisco 49ers (1992-1993); Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams (1991); Defensive Coordinator/DB Coach, Philadelphia Eagles (1886-1990); Defensive Assistant, Chicago Bears (1985)

Milestones: 1999 AFC Championship. Currently the longest tenured Head Coach in the NFL.

PROS: A proven coach who has gone to the post-season six times in 17 years, including three division championships.

CONS: Despite coaching for 17 seasons (really 16 and a half) has only made it to the Super Bowl once and didn't win a ring.

In fact, three of those six playoff years the Titans were one and done. Plus at times it looked like the Titans had quit on him this season.

Fisher is a possibility, but its looking like if Titans owner Bud Adams lets him go, he'll probably take a year off.

John Fox: 25 To 1

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers reacts after failed conversion on offense against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

AGE: 55

RECORD: 78-74 (including playoffs where he's 5-3)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Head Coach, Carolina Panthers (2002-2010); Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants (1997-2001); Personnel Consultant, St. Louis Rams (1996); Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1994-1995); Defensive Backs Coach, San Diego Chargers (1992-1993); Defensive Backs Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (1989-1991)

Milestones: 2003 NFC Champions. Somehow made Jake Delhomme a decent quarterback for five years (with help from Steve Smith).

PROS: An experienced head coach who has shown that he can win in the NFL. Defensive-minded.

CONS: Once Delhomme lost his touch, Fox's fortunes went downhill. Also gainfully employed Dan Henning for five seasons and could be tempted into bringing him back, which is exactly why Sparano is on the Hot Seat to begin with.

Fox wouldn't be my first choice, but would be a decent coach.

Rob Ryan: 30 To 1

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Cleveland Browns defensive coodinator Rob Ryan watches warmups during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

AGE: 42

RECORD: N/A (never been a head coach at any level)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Defensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns (2009-present?); Defensive Coordinator, Oakland Raiders (2004-2008); Linebackers Coach, New England Patriots (2000-2003)

Milestones: Grew up with Rex as his twin brother and managed to not be too annoyed by him. In all seriousness though, has coached some decent defenses.

PROS: A young, hungry head coach who's had yet to prove himself in the NFL.Very energetic and possesses the sense of humor of his brother and father (former Bears Defensive coordinator and former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan.) Being Rex Ryan's twin brother could be a pro.

CONS: Only top-5 defenses he's ever coached was with the Patriots and in 2006 with Oakland. Rex Ryan's twin brother, could be a major con as well.

For some reason he's always brought up as a possible NFL head coach, but he has to show me more as a coordinator first if I were Stephen Ross. If Sparano gets the boot I could see Ryan getting an interview, however I don't see him getting the job.

Marvin Lewis: 50 To 1

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals coaches against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 13-6. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

AGE: 52

RECORD: 58-67-1 (including post-season, where he's 0-2)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Head Coach, Cincinnati Bengals (2003-present); Defensive Coordinator, Washington Redskins (2002); Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2001.)

Milestones: Took the Bengals to the post-season twice since taking over in 2003. That's one more playoff appearance than the Dolphins have had in the same timespan.

Plus, he won a Super Bowl as Ravens Defensive coordinator. This is significant when you remember that the Ravens defense won that Super Bowl almost single-handedly.

PROS: Still fairly young, has a proven track record as a defensive coach. Hard to judge his performance as coach of the Bengals since they're historically terrible.

CONS: The last Bengals Head Coach to get a job as Head Coach after leaving Cincinnati was Sam Wyche when he coached the Bucs from 1992-1995. That doesn't bode well. He might also have been in Cincinnati so long that he has the Bengals stink on him.

He's not quite available but you never know. On top of that he's the only minority candidate I could think of off the top of my head, and only if he's available.

If the Bengals let him go, expect the Dolphins to at least interview him to fulfill the Rooney Rule (which I actually feel is more racist than not having the rule at all).

Urban Meyer: 1000 To 1 Now, 10 To 1 If Sparano Comes Back Next Year

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators directs play against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2011 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

AGE: 46

RECORD: 104-23 (College, never been a head coach in the NFL, however he's 7-1 in Bowls, 4-0 in BCS Bowls)

PREVIOUS JOBS: Head Coach, University of Florida (2005-2010); Head Coach, University of Utah (2003-2004); Head Coach, Bowling Green University (2001-2002)

Milestones: One of only two coaches to win two BCS Championships. Took Utah to their first BCS Bowl.

PROS: Young, successful and innovative Head Coach. Considered a pioneer and one of the most accomplished practitioners of the Spread Offense.

CONS: No NFL Head Coaching experience. Taking this season off and might even take a couple more off as well, meaning the only way Meyer is "Taking his talents to South Beach" is if Sparano stays another season.

Once commented that coaching Notre Dame would be "A Dream Job" meaning if named head coach of the Dolphins after next season, could only last one season and pull a Saban if Brian Kelly doesn't work out in South Bend and they pursue Meyer, which they have their last couple of coaching searches.

This is the ultimate pie in the sky. The only way this happens is if Sparano stays next season and produces similar results to this season, which is a huge possibility. 

As a Dolphins fan, would Meyer really be worth it, especially since he doesn't even have NFL experience as either a player or a coach? Just throwing this name out there, seeing if it sticks.

Conclusion

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins makes the catch as Kyle Arrington #27 of the New England Patriots defends on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Those are the possible head coaches for the Miami Dolphins next year, including one joke candidate and one pie in the sky that couldn't happen until the 2012 season,  even though I'm sure there are other names out there that I neglected to name.

How do you feel about the choices? Which one would you like to see roaming the Dolphins sideline?

On another note, follow me on twitter, @thomasgalicia. I'll be tweeting live from the Orange Bowl, where possible future Miami Dolphins head coach Jim Harbaugh will lead Stanford against Virginia Tech.

Also follow me on twitter as I ask all day long, "Its x:xx, has Sparano been fired yet?" RT it and make it a trending topic. 

Finally, Happy Belated New Year to all of you out there, and Let's Go Phins!

Thomas Galicia is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report who at times also writes about the Miami Heat, Chicago Cubs, Miami Hurricanes and Pro Wrestling. For more of his views outside the sports world, visit www.thomasgalicia.com