If Tony Sparano Is Fired, Who Takes His Place as Miami Dolphins Head Coach?

Now that the firing-of-NFL-head-coaches ball has begun to roll, how much longer will Tony Sparano last in Miami and who will replace him?

Regardless of how the season plays out, we can't expect Sparano to return in 2012. In 2008, Sparano's first year, the Dolphins went 11-5 and won the AFC East, but they've gone just 17-26 thereafter.

Miami hasn't finished better than 7-9 (past two seasons) and are fortunate to have even won three straight in 2011. With games remaining against Oakland, New England and the NY Jets, Miami will be lucky to finish 5-11.

With Sparano at the helm, the gradual nose-dive continues in South Florida. That being said, here are two candidates the Dolphins should look into as possible replacements if Sparano gets the axe in the near future.

Jeff Fisher

In an article by Peter King of Sports Illustrated in April of 2011, former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said he is interested in getting back on the sidelines in 2012:

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It was not an easy decision [to stop coaching], but it was the right decision. My hope is to get back into coaching next year.

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Fisher would be a great fit for the Dolphins. It would be a fresh start for both parties—Fisher is coming off a year of rest and Miami was abysmal. To that end, there's no added pressure and Fisher can build by drafting the players he wants.

Additionally, Miami does have a solid foundation on defense and Matt Moore has proven to be a solid option under center. In 17 years with the Oilers/Titans, Fisher only had five losing seasons, went to a Super Bowl and was 5-6 in the postseason.

He's arguably the best candidate on the market and Miami has nothing to lose. Why not give Jeff Fisher a call?

Joe Philbin

His name hasn't popped up really anywhere; however, the current offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, Joe Philbin, would be a good replacement for Tony Sparano.

Philbin has been in the NFL since 2003 (with Green Bay) and has quite a bit of experience coaching the offensive line and tight ends. Since 2007, he has been the Packers' offensive coordinator. Miami currently lacks inside the red zone—and that's one area in which Green Bay thrives.

Sure, he's had the luxury of being in a great system. However, that's where you learn the most. Had the Packers not been successful, Philbin wouldn't be an ideal candidate.

Considering how much potential there is on the Miami offensive line and in the backfield, the Dolphins are simply underachieving. And if Philbin does get approached by Miami and he signs, it could be a career-defining opportunity.

Can you imagine if Philbin develops Matt Moore into a solid NFL QB? Moore has had some success and does have potential, so it's not a completely busted situation. Not to mention that WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Fasano remain as reliable receiving targets.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27