Cowboys' Sparano is widely praised

It's always nice to see positive things about who may become our new HC.

Dallas' Jason Witten credits Sparano for transforming him into a Pro Bowler and one of the league's top tight ends. Guard Leonard Davis credits Sparano for the improvement of the Cowboys' offensive line, which has three Pro Bowlers this season.

And former Browns pro personnel director Keith Kidd, who worked with Sparano when he was Cleveland's offensive line coach in 2000, said, ``You knew being around Tony, he had special qualities. He demands respect and players respond.''

Sparano -- who worked four years with new Dolphins czar Bill Parcells in Dallas -- yells when needed (unlike Cam Cameron), but players like him, Cowboys people say.

''He's very well-organized, very well-respected by the players,'' Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson said. ``He is up-tempo, and those guys [offensive linemen] are not the easiest guys, but he keeps them motivated and on their toes.''

With Sparano calling the plays, Dallas' offense finished fifth in the league in 2006. ( Jason Garrett took over those duties this season after being lured from the Dolphins). Sparano went 41-14-1 as a college head coach at New Haven (1994-98), and later spent single seasons as an assistant with the Browns, Redskins and Jaguars.

Sparano never complained after Parcells would not let him leave to become Sean Payton's offensive coordinator with New Orleans before the '06 season."