Ideal Landing Spots for Fired NFL Head Coaches
By Brad Rowland
Tony Sparano – Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line Coach
For the sake of accuracy, Tony Sparano has not been fired by the Oakland Raiders. Sparano was given the tag of interim head coach after Dennis Allen was let go during the 2014 season, but while Sparano and his team are campaigning for his “current” job to become permanent, it does not seem exceedingly likely.
With that on the table, Rex Ryan is going to need an offensive line coach if he elects to bring in his own staff, and Sparano previously worked with Ryan in New York as the offensive coordinator of the Jets in 2012. Tony Sparano is well-liked by all, but his 32-41 career record as an NFL head coach speaks for itself, and it is difficult to point to anything from a scheme perspective that he would bring to an interview room for a head coaching position.
At the same time, Sparano brings an attitude of toughness that would be welcomed alongside Ryan in Atlanta, and with Atlanta’s current offensive line coach, Mike Tice, almost certainly ready to upgrade his own standing, this would be a quality fit. In the meantime, Tony Sparano and the player personnel of the Raiders can keep hope alive.