NFL coaches showing Tony Sparano the way

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-tony040208,0,6730936.story

NFL coaches showing Tony Sparano the way

By Ethan J. Skolnick and Omar Kelly
Sun-Sentinel.com

1:43 PM EDT, April 2, 2008

PALM BEACH - It is one of the most exclusive fraternities in America, consisting of a mere 32 members at any time, and it tends to extend a friendly welcome to its fortunate new members -- at least until the season starts and secrets become sacred.

Tony Sparano is now part of that closed club of NFL head coaches, and the Dolphins' new sideline leader received congratulations, compliments, handshakes and suggestions all week at the NFL Owners Meetings at the Breakers.

Several coaches, including Gary Kubiak and Sean Payton, took him aside to offer advice.

Kubiak did so Monday, relaying what Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher had told him when Kubiak became the Houston Texans' head coach in 2006:

"It'll get done."

At first, Kubiak didn't know what that meant.

"You come to realize there's not enough time in the day," Kubiak said. "But it's gonna get done. Just keep plugging. Keep battling. It's not going to happen in a day, a week, or a year. Just stay true to your beliefs and keep going."

Tuesday, Payton sat down with Sparano for nearly an hour by the pool. They worked together as Dallas Cowboys offensive assistants before Payton left to become the head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

"He's seen this process and has been taught very well," Payton said. "He'll be very judicious in his decision-making. He won't be afraid to ask for advice and help. I think he's prepared very well for this spot."

Even so, Payton told him to expect "hiccups" along the way.

"But the reason he'll do well is because the players will trust what he's trying to tell them, and they'll buy into what he's telling them," Payton said. "His ability to communicate has always been one of his strong suits. He's effective at communicating to the players what he feels like they need to get better at. He's very honest with them. There's no hidden agendas with him."

Plus, Sparano has an advantage, in Payton's view. Sparano can simply walk down the hall to seek Parcells' counsel. Payton must wait for a returned phone call from the mentor he still calls "Coach."

Sparano almost became the coach of the Atlanta Falcons, interviewing twice on the recommendation of Parcells, who was close to taking a front office post there before joining the Dolphins.

"I really liked Tony a lot," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. "I'd never met him before. He reminds me a lot of Mike Smith, the guy we hired. He's about football. What you see is what you get. For what Miami needs and frankly, what we need, is a fundamentally sound football coach. It's not about splash. Splash does not win at sports. This is about building a team."

Blank said he felt that Sparano's connection to Parcells and new GM Jeff Ireland was advantageous to the Dolphins.

"Most successful teams in the NFL, they all have tremendous symmetry between the general manager and the head coach," Blank said. "There isn't one that doesn't. And the ones that are dysfunctional eventually will come apart. It's a really good thing that he understands Bill's mind, he understands Jeff's mind."

Blank said he had not spoken to Parcells since the latter spurned him to sign with the Dolphins.

"But I have nothing but good feelings for Bill," Blank said. "I understand the personal reasons that he made his decision. I called Wayne (Huizenga) the following day, and I said Miami is fortunate to have him. And I'm very happy where we ended up."