Rizzi makes surprise play for Miami Dolphins' assistant coaching position

02/24/09 -After spending 14 months with the Rams, University of Rhode Island head football coach Darren Rizzi announced on Saturday that he is stepping down to become an assistant special teams coach for the Miami Dolphins.Rizzi could not be reached for comment but according to Gorhody.com, he said, "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as the head coach of the Rhode Island football program. My 14 months here in Kingston have been a tremendous experience both personally and professionally."

Rizzi was hired at the University of Rhode Island for the head coach position in December 2007. From 1994-96, Rizzi staffed at New Haven where he met Tony Sparano, now the Dolphins head coach.

Rizzi said on Gorhody.com, "This was a very difficult decision to make because of my strong emotional ties to the school. However, the chance to coach with Tony Sparano again and to work for the Miami Dolphins organization is an opportunity that is best for my family and I."

"I wish he could stay longer," URI Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn said. "I wish him and his family well. We have to continue on."

This season, Rizzi was looking to rebuild the department. According to a Cigar article from September 2008 Rizzi had said, "Probably our number one goal is overall improvement in the program. We want progress in every area and to improve in every aspect. This spring we had the best academic year. We are trying not to focus on the result."

Rizzi continued to explain in this article how this team is already different from last year. "We are not trying to just put all our focus on one season but to lay the foundation and build consistency," he said.

The team opened its season with a 27-24 win against Monmouth University. The Rams took control of the game quickly taking a 17-3 lead into halftime. Rizzi had said that the win was a more exciting one than it had to be in reference to the late scouring by Monmouth. The Hawks had closed the deficit to ten with URI leading 27-17 but the Rams closed it out.

After this close victory the Rams went on to win just two more games while losing nine for an overall record. They took the Governor's Cup from Brown University, 37-13.

One player said he had mixed emotions about Rizzi stepping down.

"I'm happy for him, but at the same time I'm sad to see him go," freshman wide receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell said. "As far as the team goes, this is going to be a huge test for us."

According to Bjorn, Rizzi went to him last Tuesday to ask his permission to meet with the Dolphins. Shortly after Bjorn gave Rizzi permission, the coach announced his decision to take a position with the Dolphins to his team on Saturday night.

The athletic department has been quick to pull out its drawer of replacement names.

"We are actually moving very quickly," he said. "We have two candidates coming to campus this week. Depending on how it goes, there could be an announcement by the end of the week."

Bjorn said they always have to be prepared for a situation like this.

"Again, I really liked his direction," Bjorn said about Rizzi. He added that it was a hard job to take on since a football team can be hard to turn around in a year.

In 2007 the Rams finished with a 3-8 record (2-6 CAA). In both 2005 and 2006 the team finished with the same record of 4-7 (2-6 CAA). As the former head coach Tim Stowers compiled a record of 33-57 in his eight years with the Rams.

Now there will be a new name to add to the URI coaching list. But as for the rest of the coaching staff, that will be up to the new coach. The coach can either keep the staff already in place or replace their own.

"As an alum[nus], I am going to change from the head coach to the biggest fan of the program," Rizzi said in the Gorhody.com article. "My only regret is that I am leaving this great university and the student-athletes and staff, who have committed themselves to this program.