Miami Gardens, FL

The Miami Dolphins fired coach Tony Sparano and replaced him on an interim basis with assistant head coach/secondary coach Todd Bowles interim coach Monday.

"(Sparano) has really been a wonderful person, has done a wonderful job with the Miami Dolphins," owner Stephen Ross said. "It's with a lot of regret that I feel it's in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins that we replace him at this time."

Ross said he wanted to end speculation about Sparano's job status.

"It's been a lot of distraction that's been occurring in speculation in regard to if Tony will stay, will Tony go, what will happen," Ross said. "I think, in the interest of the football team, and the development of this team that this is the time that we need to make a change. It will allow us to have plenty of time to interview and find what I hope will be the coach that will lead us back to the glory of the past.

General manager Jeff Ireland will head up the search for Sparano's replacement.

"Obviously I think you're looking for experience," Ireland said. "You're looking for the best candidate out there ... guys who have been in the trenches before. We're looking for some of the same qualities I saw in Tony.

"I know the guy is going to be a football guy. I know that for sure."

Sparano was 29-33 in four seasons with the Dolphins, including an awful 4-9 mark this season.

Copyright 2011, AHN - All Rights Reserved