Miami goes with Sparano

Head coach comes from Cowboys

DAVIE, FLA. -- Discussing his new job as Miami Dolphins coach, Tony Sparano sounded like Tony Soprano.

"I'm just happy to be part of the family," Sparano said.

The family includes his mentor, Bill Parcells, and general manager Jeff Ireland, who are transforming their new team into the Miami Cowboys.

Sparano is the latest transplant from Dallas. He was the Cowboys' assistant head coach before accepting an offer Wednesday to rejoin Parcells and Ireland.

The trio worked together in Dallas when Parcells was head coach from 2003 to 2006.

"I know what the people here are capable of, and I'm excited about that," Sparano said at a news conference.

Parcells sat in a corner of the room, smiling occasionally like a proud papa. He declined to meet with reporters, leaving the talk to his proteges.

"When Bill and I discussed what we were looking for in a head coach, we talked about one of high character," Ireland said. "We wanted someone who understood how to develop young players, one who could instill a culture that's all about winning.

"We think we found that guy. We know we found that guy."

The hiring had been anticipated since Parcells fired Cam Cameron, who went 1-15 in his first season as an NFL head coach. Of the four candidates Miami interviewed, Sparano was the only one with ties to the new regime.

"I've coached for a lot of people and worked for a lot of great coaches," said Sparano, 46. "Coach Parcells has taught me the most and prepared me the most for this job."

Sparano said he's unconcerned that he might be working in the shadow of his boss.

"If at the end of the day that's the worst thing that happens to me, I'm OK," Sparano said. "I know Coach Parcells is here as a resource for me, and I'm going to use him as much as I can."

Their relationship dates to 2003, when Sparano became the Cowboys' tight ends coach. But he has long respected the work of Parcells, who won titles with the Giants in the 1986 and 1990 seasons.

"I grew up a Giant fan," Sparano said. "My father to this day is a Giant fan, OK?"

Sparano is a West Haven, Conn., native. His only head coaching experience was at the University of New Haven from 1994 to 1998.