Dolphins fire special teams coach

DAVIE, Fla., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Miami special teams coach John Bonamego was fired Tuesday after the Dolphins had a kick returned for a touchdown and two kicks blocked in a loss to New England.

Miami Coach Tony Sparano said "nobody works harder than (Bonamego) at what he does" but still made the "hard decision" to replace Bonamego the morning after a 41-14 loss to the Patriots.

Bonamego was in his third season as the Dolphins' special team coach, a position he previously held at Jacksonville, Green Bay and New Orleans. Assistant special teams coach Darren Rizzi was promoted to special teams coordinator to fill Bonamego's spot.

Miami was leading 7-6 at halftime Monday night but Brandon Tate returned the second-half kickoff 103 yards for a New England touchdown. On the ensuing Miami possession, the Patriots blocked a punt, setting up a short drive for a 20-7 lead.

New England blocked a long field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter and the Patriots' Kyle Arrington recovered the ball and ran for a touchdown.

"Special teams is a hard area because I think there are a lot of hands involved in that area," Sparano said. "What I mean is players have some responsibility in that area, too, and players change a lot in that area. So our players also need to take responsibility."