Phil Sheridan: Coaching selections always a gamble

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, January, 2008 | by Phil Sheridan Inquirer Columnist

Dice are rolling all over the NFL. Whether they come up sevens or snake-eyes will determine the fortunes of nearly billion-dollar franchises and multimillion-dollar players for the next five years or so. If you're an NFL owner trying to hire the right head coach, the high stakes and the low odds must have you reaching for the blood-pressure medication.

The Miami Dolphins yesterday announced what had been speculated ever since Bill Parcells took over as the club's executive vice president. Parcells' head coach will be his protege, Tony Sparano. Sparano replaces Cam Cameron, who replaced Nick Saban, who replaced Dave Wannstedt, who replaced Jimmy Johnson. Remember? The Dolphins nudged Don Shula toward his golden years and lured Johnson and his hair out of retirement to...