From the "not surprising at all" file, Cowboys' assistant coach Tony Sparano denies the report that claimed an offer was made by the Dolphins to Sparano. Here's what was said:
The New Haven (Conn.) Register, citing an unidentified source, said Sparano was offered and accepted the Dolphins position. However, Sparano, who coached at the University of New Haven, said an offer was not made by general manager Jeff Ireland, the former Cowboys vice president of college and pro scouting.
"The truth is, I had three real nice interviews, and I enjoyed meeting with all of the people involved," Sparano said. "I learned a lot in the interview process, but no job offer was made. Absolutely no job offer was made. For me, all I'm worried about now is the New York Giants, so that's what I'm doing."
This can't come as a surprise at all when you cinsider how having a deal in place already would be against league rules. Not to mention the fact that Sparano is in the middle of the playoffs and doesn't want to let on to anyone that his head isn't focused on the job at hand.
As this circus-like situation continues, it is still believed that Sparano is indeed the Dolphins' guy:
It still is his plan now.
When Parcells was speaking with Atlanta owner Arthur Blank about going to the Falcons, he identified Sparano as the guy he wanted to hire as his head coach. Do you really believe Blank came up with that name on his own? Be serious.
Meanwhile, we'll wait to hear how Miami's interview goes today with Leslie Frazier. I'm sure we'll hear that Frazier was impressive in his interview and is still being considered as a candidate. But in reality, this is likely Sparano's job to lose.