Chiefs fire Haley; Dolphins let Sparano go

Like Jack Del Rio, coaches Todd Haley and Tony Sparano didn't get a chance to finish the season. The Chiefs fired Haley Monday, hours before the Dolphins let Sparano go. The Jaguars dismissed Del Rio Nov. 29.

The Chiefs are 5-8 after a 37-10 loss to the Jets. Kansas City committed 11 penalties for 128 yards, including one for unsportsmanlike conduct on Haley that may have sealed his fate.

"Timing in these situations is always difficult," Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "We just felt the inconsistent play throughout the season, including yesterday, made today the right day to do it."

Haley was 19-27 in his first NFL head-coaching job. It was no secret there was friction between him and general manager Scott Pioli. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is interim coach, and Pioli said he'll be considered for the permanent job.

Sparano was popular with his players, but a poor home record and declining attendance accelerated his departure. Miami (4-9) is assured of its third consecutive losing season. Sparano was 29-32 in three-plus seasons.

Among those mentioned as possible replacements are Bill Cowher, Jeff Fisher and Jon Gruden. Todd Bowles, who had been the secondary coach, will take over for the rest of the year.

Coach: McCoy seemed OK

Browns coach Pat Shurmur maintains that his team's medical staff followed NFL guidelines when Colt McCoy was cleared to go back into Thursday's game after being laid out on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Steelers linebacker James Harrison. McCoy did not show signs of a concussion until after the game, Shurmur said.

Seahawks beat Rams

Undrafted rookie Doug Baldwin blocked a first-quarter punt that Michael Robinson returned 17 yards for a touchdown and caught a 29-yard TD pass as the host Seahawks (6-7) defeated the 2-11 Rams, 30-13, Monday night.

Around the league

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said WR Greg Jennings will miss two to three weeks with a knee sprain but is likely to return for the postseason . . . The Texans waived former Jets WR Derrick Mason . . . The Eagles put former Giants WR Steve Smith (knee) on injured reserve.