Wannstedt quits Dolphins

Wannstedt has overseen a troubled campaign

Miami head coach Dave Wannstedt has resigned after the Dolphins' worst-ever start to a season, with one win and eight defeats.

He told a news conference on Tuesday: "This was not a very easy decision, but I believe it is the proper decision at this time.

"Somebody has to accept the responsibility. I am the head coach and that falls on me."

The Miami Herald, citing sources close to the team and owner Wayne Huizenga, said the coach had met Huizenga on Monday.

He made it clear Wannstedt would be gone at the end of what has been a poor season.

Shortly after that, the report said, both men agreed to make the split now rather than wait another two months.

Defensive co-ordinator Jim Bates has been named as interim head coach.

He was head coach of the USFL's San Antonio Gunslingers in 1985 and joined the Dolphins as defensive supremo when Wannstedt became head coach in 2000.

Wannstedt went 42-31 with the Dolphins and is 82-87 overall counting six seasons as coach of the Chicago Bears.

After replacing Jimmy Johnson and guiding Miami to the play-offs in 2000 and 2001, Wannstedt presided over 9-7 and 10-6 seasons that failed to produce post-season spots.

Miami went down 24-23 to perennial NFL strugglers Arizona at the weekend and are rock bottom of the AFC East.

It is the poorest start in their 39-year history, and the team are one defeat from their first losing season since 1988.

Williams departure stuns Miami

They have been hit by a succession of injuries to key players, as well as the shock retirement of running back Ricky Williams in the close season.