Unless he and his Miami Dolphins pull off a win against the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon, Tony Sparano might find himself looking a for a job elsewhere next season. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, sources close to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross believe he might fire Sparano should the team fall to 0-6 on Sunday.
Denver Broncos fans know the situation all too well: an embattled coach who needs wins, or just one win, to keep on surviving. Josh McDaniels was unable to avoid his fate as his Broncos kept losing in 2010 and his involvement in Spygate II, ultimately leading to his dismissal during the season. Running backs coach Eric Studesville took over for the remainder of the season.
If Sparano is fired this weekend or later on in the season, Jackson suggests defensive coordinator Mike Nolan might be the coach promoted to interim head coach. Nolan joined the Denver Broncos as Josh McDaniels' defensive coordinator in 2009, but he mutually parted ways with the team after the season (due to a rift with McDaniels). Nolan was the coach of the San Francisco 49ers before he joined the Broncos in 2009. He was fired after a 2-5 start to the 2008 season.