It has been a week of breathless anticipation by fans and participants alike, as folks have been waiting to see what goes down with the Dolphins head coach job. And in the midst of offers to Bill Cowher and talks with Jon Gruden and talks with Jim Harbaugh and more talks with Harbaugh, we have overlooked the other news.
Dan Henning has left the Dolphins.
Henning, the offensive coordinator in Miami the last three seasons, agreed with coach Tony Sparano that it would be best to part ways, a source close to Henning said Thursday night.
It is not clear if this is a retirement or simply a parting. Henning, you see, is said to want to take some time to reflect on his current situation, but may remain open to future work if the right opportunity comes along.
Henning has served 31 years in the NFL and five of those with the Dolphins, the last three under Sparano. He was previously the offensive coordinator in Carolina, the New York Jets, Buffalo, and Detroit. He was the head coach in San Diego (1989-91) and Atlanta (1983-86).
Obviously the Dolphins now need to hire an offensive coordinator. But at this hour (check the time stamp on this post) the team has not fired Sparano nor made a contract offer to Harbaugh.
sparano stripped of all dignity. he'll be done by november 2011. he's lost the team. how can he possibly coach after ross and ireland went shopping all around for someone else. sad. we should draft 5 field goal kickers.
Posted by: turner | January 06, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Honestly, I don't think Harbaugh or his wife wanted to uproot themselves from the Bay Area. They have a young family and a good life there.
He's going to make a mint regardless.
And, no question, the Dolphins are an absolute mess now.
Posted by: dr. roberts | January 06, 2011 at 11:13 PM
THIS IS BECOMING LIKE 007 MOVIE,
WHAT ABOUT ALL THE PLAYERS WHO SPOKE VS HIM ?
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:14 PM
The Miami Dolphins will retain head coach Tony Sparano, a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Thursday night.
Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh met earlier Thursday with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in the San Francisco area about the Dolphins' job, sources told Mortensen.
Ross resumed the meeting Thursday night with Harbaugh's agent, David Dunn, in Southern California after the Dolphins owner traveled south to satisfy an unrelated business commitment following his meeting with Harbaugh, the sources said.
Ross hoped to persuade Harbaugh to take the job and travel to Miami on his private jet to introduce him as his new coach by Friday or this weekend, the sources added.
Sparano will fulfill the final year on his contract. He has been working this week at the team's complex in Davie, Fla., and when he took an afternoon walk Thursday, he encountered a cluster of media staking out the facility.
"You guys need to find a better hobby," Sparano said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 06, 2011 at 11:14 PM
dr.
Yeah there seems to be a stigma here now?
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Don't be surprised when new coach makes this team with decent talent a lit bigger threat next year. don't be surprised if Henne gets better with better coaching.
The org imposed silence was always about covering up incompetence and the last thing Morono ever cared about was fans. None of this matters without us.
Posted by: popncaps551 | January 06, 2011 at 11:14 PM
just announced
DOLPHINS TO RETAIN SPARONO
Posted by: d phin fan | January 06, 2011 at 11:15 PM
ROSS WAS IN CA FOR PREVOUS ENGAGEMENTS ,LOL
AND TONY TELLS THE MEDIA DONKEYS YOU NEED A HOPPY .
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Started having doubts when Luck chose to stay. How does it look for Luck to turn down the big dollars to stay and Harbaugh doesnt?
Guarantee Harbaugh stays at Stanford!!! LOL.............
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 06, 2011 at 11:17 PM
ROSS JUST MADE THE RIGHT DESION .
SIGN NORTON
DRAFT A QB
KEEP HEENE
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:18 PM
i knew as soon as the dolphins sign james marten a tony morano draftpick from dallas he was gonna be back,,,lombardi was right on that ross was convince by parcells..people better stop talking about jlo or mark anthony..these guys don't go to games anymore anyway...hopefully the nfl season is cancelled next year...you have to win only 1 game to get fired by the dolphins..7 wins gets you a pass.i'am done with this bore...
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 06, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Hey Guys!
I can't even come up with one of my annoying stupid jokes or play on words???
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:18 PM
MARTIN,
TRY HARDER
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Like I've been saying, they HAVE TO give Sparano an extension. I don't care if it is just one year. No way he can do his job and improve this team without one. No good OC will come here if they think the guy they are working for is toast next year. God Ross is an idiot.
Posted by: Jon | January 06, 2011 at 11:20 PM
The two people celebrating most right now? Rex Ryan and Belichek.
Posted by: 0x80 | January 06, 2011 at 11:20 PM
12
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 06, 2011 at 11:21 PM
Martin--It's not good, that's for sure.
This was always an uphill battle for Harbaugh considering where he's at and the Niners offer (along with the possibility of returning to Stanford) but to put out an offer to make the guy the highest paid coach in the NFL and get turned down still stings.
I don't see this works with Sparano although there IS some precedent with something like this, ironically enough with Parcells in the same role.
Years ago, the Giants kept Tuna dangling when they attempted to bring in Howard Schnellenberger. Obviously, things worked out just fine in that case, but Parcells probably carried more respect in the locker room.
I do feel bad for Tony in all this, despite thinking a change was the best course of action.
Posted by: dr. roberts | January 06, 2011 at 11:21 PM
What a Freaking farce. What a wasted week.
Ross has totally screwed the pooch--& Mort sex now he's gonna tell fans he tried but tony's the best!? Joke.
Posted by: The Seer | January 06, 2011 at 11:21 PM
AL,
Ever since you guys let me in the clique, have you ever known me to be at a loss for a dumb joke?
I'm speechless...
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:21 PM
Can't somebody dig up Joe Robbie? Could call it Zombie Life Stadium.
Think I can return my personalized game jersey?
Saddest I have ever been as a Dolfan
Posted by: popncaps551 | January 06, 2011 at 11:21 PM
THAT WAS A NICE CIRCUS.LOL
GET ME MY DINNER MARIA
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:21 PM
NOW THEY WILL ANOUCE THAT KARL DORRELL WILL BE THE OC..TOMOROW ..THEY ARE GONNA LET MORANO FINISH HIS CONTRACT...BUT THEY KNOW HE'S GONE NEXT YEAR...HOW NICE..
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 06, 2011 at 11:22 PM
BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
DETROIT SOUTH
SPARANO STAYS = LAME DUCK ALERT LAME DUCK ALERT
HARBAUGH TURNS DOWN 8 MILLION BC THE FRANCHISE IS A JOKE
LAME DUCK COACH WALKING LAME DUCK COACH WALKING
BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH
Posted by: TorturedDolphan | January 06, 2011 at 11:22 PM
BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH LOSER FISH
Posted by: TorturedDolphan | January 06, 2011 at 11:22 PM
ALL THAT COULD BE A WAY TO LET PLAYERS SPEAK OUT THEN RELEASE THEM .
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:23 PM
So, can will chill with the Sparano hate a little bit now? Granted he's not my first choice either, but dude deserves mad respect for the way he has handled this situation. At least someone in Davie has class.
Posted by: Jon | January 06, 2011 at 11:23 PM
MARTIN...YOU CAN COME UP WITH SOME THING
GOOBY BRESS OR FEED THE WOLVES
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:24 PM
EVEN WITH NO GAMES YOU CONTINUE TO DISGRACE YOURSELVES
8 MILLION TURNED DOWN = HARBAUGH KNOWS THIS OWNER AND TEAM ARE BAD NEWS
SPARANO = LAME DUCK = WHO IS GOING TO WORK FOR HIM NOW = GOOD LUCK FINDING AN OC
BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Posted by: TorturedDolphan | January 06, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Never any Sparano hate from me.
Got big doubts about him as a coach but I can seperate that from my respect for him as a good and decent man.
I only hated true weasels like Saban.
Posted by: dr. roberts | January 06, 2011 at 11:25 PM
ARMANDO HAS A NICE ARTICLE IN SUPPORT OF TONY SPARANO,VERY GOOD .
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:26 PM
dr.,
Great history, thanks. It just seems JJ Quit,Marino GM for a day, Wanny Split and couldn't cut it. The Ricky BS, Saban, Cam Cameron, bad hire. The Safety from the Steelers that turned his plane around. All the ex-players putting down the organization?
This is not my Shula Dolphins???
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Great! A lame duck coach with no imagination on offense for another year. I save my three grand on tickets next year. Tony is a good man, but so is the guy delivering my mail. I want a good football coach who actually helps us win games by out coaching the opposing team. How did we get better from last year? I don't see why we keep Tony.
Posted by: Bryan Plant | January 06, 2011 at 11:26 PM
WHAT HAPPEN TO COWHER ?LOL
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:27 PM
I guess the 9 assistants that packed up their stuff today are on Tonys bad side now? Lol
Posted by: Jon | January 06, 2011 at 11:27 PM
Tortured...why are you so obsessed? Your comments make you look very lonely, perhaps haven't had a girl in 15 years? Nothing better to do? Will you teach your children to visit blogs and try to be annoying? Keep trying.
Posted by: turner | January 06, 2011 at 11:28 PM
SOME ONE CALL THE QB COACH LEE TO COME BACK ,PLEASE LEE.
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Well it's Ireland and Sparano's draft now.
In the words of Big Black from the Rob N Big Show...DO WORK SON!
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Cow-Head wondering what team would give him total control. F-him
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 06, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Martin, dr didn't post no history that hasn't been already written about in 3 places just today. I guess some people just read this blog and nothing more. Bloggers snoop around other sites and then report back info as though they have an inside scoop...kinda funny.
Posted by: carlito marron | January 06, 2011 at 11:31 PM
sparano back after all this? well its official the miami dolphins are now the undisputed laughingstock of the nfl
Posted by: geez | January 06, 2011 at 11:31 PM
There is a God.......Henning is gone.... Yepeeeeee. Ding dong the witch is dead, the wicked witch is dead.
Posted by: seewer66 | January 06, 2011 at 11:31 PM
COWHER THE HEYNA WANTS TOTAL CONTROL .F-HIM
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Hey we should go look for a Homeless Diamond in the Rough to Play QB, Safety, TE, O'Line, RB and Speedy Wide Out!
The Cleavland Cavaliers found a new announcer that way! Ted Williams the Homeless Guy!
We can Do it!!!!
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Sparano wont be trusting Ireland anymore:
Glazer: Fins keeping Sparano
Posted by Mike Florio on January 6, 2011, 11:05 PM EST
A strange two days in Miami have ended with the Dolphins not hiring Jim Harbaugh.
And they apparently won’t be hiring Jim Harbaugh.
Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Dolphins are keeping Sparano as the head coach.
The news comes amid increasing reports suggesting that Harbaugh would not be joining the Dolphins. Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, for example, reported earlier tonight that Harbaugh “isn’t sold” on the Miami situation, and that he was “looking for reasons to look elsewhere.”
The end result, in our view, is embarrassment for a Dolphins franchise that allowed Sparano to twist in the wind while wooing his replacement. Apart from the egg that the team is now wearing on its face, the relationship between Sparano and G.M. Jeff Ireland likely has suffered irreparable damage.
Sure, they’ll say all the right things. But Sparano will never fully trust Ireland again.
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 06, 2011 at 11:32 PM
SPARANO THE FIST PUMPER HAS TOTAL CONTROL. Eff Him.
Posted by: The Seer | January 06, 2011 at 11:33 PM
WE WOULD BE THE LAUGHING STOCK IF WE DID HIRE THAT GUY ,ROSS IS A SMART MAN .FEED THE COW .LOL
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:33 PM
WOW! I'm at a loss of words. The stench around here can make a college coach with a novice resume turn down $8 million.
Posted by: RoadRage | January 06, 2011 at 11:33 PM
If they can just get an above average QB and fix the O-line they should be at least 2-3 games better. Think about it, Sparano has a healthy Penny from start to finish and goes 11-5. He gets saddled with Henne for 2 years and goes 7-9. And he had the foresight to bench Henne after a 4-4 start. If Penny stays healthy they go 10-6. Henne isn't the whole problem, but he is the linch pin
Posted by: Jon | January 06, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Carlito---Not sure why the crappy attitude.
I wasn't offering the Parcells/Schnellenberger story as any kind of "scoop"...just relating it because it's not dissimilar from the current situation with the Dolphins.
Is that OK with you?
Posted by: dr. roberts | January 06, 2011 at 11:34 PM
HARBUGH DIDN'T WANT TO PLAY THE PATS OR THE JETS ,SMART MAN ,GOOD FOR US .
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Carlito,
Oh yeah Bro! That Google thing! I thought my kids were kidding about that. I heard about Facebook too. But I never got there? I got stuck on "Cheeckbook" Oh Man!
Posted by: Martin | January 06, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Who cares if he dosen't trust him? Tony should worry more about how to win more than one home game.
Posted by: Bryan Plant | January 06, 2011 at 11:36 PM
DAN CARPENTER NOW IS A SHOE IN FOR THE HALL OF FAME..
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 06, 2011 at 11:36 PM
Turner, tortured is exactly what his name is.......
You'll read about him in the news one day, so very sad.
Posted by: G | January 06, 2011 at 11:37 PM
J E T S
JETS JETS JETS
Posted by: TorturedDolphan | January 06, 2011 at 11:37 PM
DB,
MAY BE IN THE END ROSS DIDN'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE GUY . HE WAS SCARED THAT HARBAUGH WILL RESIGN IN A YEAR OR TWO .BETTER STAY THE COURSE ,WE R CLOSE
Posted by: ALoco | January 06, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Jets lose Saturday and I will enjoy every second of it
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 06, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Jets will get their usual from Indy this Saturday and tortured will disappear
Posted by: G | January 06, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Even with all his money no one wants to coach for this joke of a franchise. Detroit south. THank you Mr. Ross on behalf of the AFC East.
Posted by: TorturedDolphan | January 06, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Not sure why anyone is trying to build intrigue and mystery into this process.
Harbaugh turned Ross down. That about sums it up.
Posted by: dr. roberts | January 06, 2011 at 11:39 PM