Coaches Todd Haley and Tony Sparano were sent home for the holidays Monday — with pink slips.
The Kansas City Chiefs, who fell to 5-8 after Sunday’s 37-10 loss to the New York Jets, fired Haley with the team he led to the AFC West title less than a year ago stuck at the bottom of the division after a series of devastating injuries and discouraging blowouts.
Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will serve as interim coach for the final three games, and general manager Scott Pioli said he will be considered for the permanent job.
Former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, now an offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz are also considered possible replacements.
Even before the Miami Dolphins fired Sparano, names of potential successors were being bandied about.
Bill Cowher? Jeff Fisher? Jon Gruden?
“I’d like to find a young Don Shula if that’s possible,” owner Stephen Ross said.
It’s no wonder Ross craves some stability. Since Shula retired in 1996, no coach has made it through five full seasons in Miami.
That includes Sparano, fired three games from the end of his fourth season, and one day after the Dolphins lost to the Philadelphia Eagles to fall to 4-9.
Todd Bowles, who had been assistant head coach and secondary coach, becomes interim head coach.
The Associated Press
