Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano Won't Return in 2012

The Miami Dolphins are planning to relieve head coach Tony Sparano of his duties after this season, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Sparano's Dolphins lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to drop their record to 4-9.

"

The Dolphins plan to let Ireland continue in his job with the team beyond this season. The plan is also to replace Sparano after the season although no final decision has been made on this front.

I know this as fact. Period.

"

Sparano has complied a 29-32 record during his four seasons at the helm of the Dolphins. He led the team to an AFC East crown in his first season, but has failed to break the .500 mark in the ensuing three seasons.

Despite back-to-back losing seasons, he was given a two-year contract extension last January which would have taken him through the 2013 season. However, the new report makes it sound like his job is in serious jeopardy.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross believes his franchise has enough talent to be competitive in the same division as the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

Since Sparano has failed to deliver a winner in three consecutive years, there is obviously a difference between expectations and results.

Salguero also states in the article that Jeff Ireland, whose job as general manager is to give the head coach a roster with enough talent to succeed, is not in danger.

This is not the first time Sparano has come under fire as Dolphins head coach, so being on the hot seat is nothing new to the 50-year-old. Unlike those previous occurrences, however, it appears he might not survive with his job intact this time.