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Dolphins Conclude Interview Process

A Tribune wire report

Published: January 15, 2008

MIAMI - At least one Dallas Cowboys player referred to assistant head coach Tony Sparano in the past tense Monday, because he may soon change teams.

The front-runner for the Miami Dolphins' head coaching job, Sparano became available for hire when the Cowboys lost their playoff game Sunday to the New York Giants.

"Tony was an unbelievable coach," Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said. "He'll be a great head coach, and this team will definitely miss him if he gets that opportunity."

On Monday, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz became the fourth candidate to interview with the Dolphins. He may be the last candidate considered.

Sparano, who worked with new Dolphins boss Bill Parcells and new general manager Jeff Ireland when they were in Dallas, interviewed Jan. 5 with Miami. The Dolphins also interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

Ireland has said it's important that he and Parcells be familiar with the new coach. They have no direct ties to Schwartz, Frazier or Ryan, although Schwartz's first NFL job was under Parcells protege Bill Belichick, then with the Cleveland Browns.

Schwartz's Titans finished fifth in the league this season in yards allowed.

The Dolphins may need to outbid Baltimore or Atlanta for Sparano, who also interviewed for head coaching jobs with those teams.

RAVENS: Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett flew in Monday night for a second interview for Baltimore's head coaching job, a league source said.

The source said the Ravens are expected to interview another candidate again, most likely Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh.

REDSKINS: Assistant coach Gregg Williams interviewed again for the team's coaching vacancy, and Washington also was planning to speak to Seattle Seahawks assistant Jim Mora and Indianapolis Colts assistants Jim Caldwell and Ron Meeks.

Owner Dan Snyder met for the third time with Williams, who has been in charge of the Redskins' defense since 2004. Williams had a preliminary interview Wednesday and his first full session with the owner Saturday.

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