The Oakland Raiders on Tuesday named Tony Sparano interim coach, promoting the offensive line coach to the top job after firing coach Dennis Allen the day before.
Sparano coached the Miami Dolphins from 2008 to 2011, amassing a 29-32 record in the better part of three seasons. His crowning achievement was turning around the franchise in his first season, taking a team that won one game in 2007 and going 11-5 in 2008 with an AFC East title.
The 0-4 Raiders dumped Allen after two-plus seasons and an 8-28 record. They have had 11 consecutive seasons without a winning record or a playoff appearance.
Sparano is Oakland’s eighth head coach since the Raiders traded Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay in 2001.
Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie said Sparano “has a strong presence in this organization.”
“His experience and leadership qualities will serve the team well in helping reach the goal of everyone here,” McKenzie said, “which is to win football games.”
Allen was the first coach hired by McKenzie in the wake of the 2011 death of longtime Raiders owner Al Davis.
“After thorough evaluation, we have determined to move in another direction,” McKenzie said of Allen’s firing. “We appreciate Dennis Allen’s dedication to the organization and wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
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