Former Miami Dolphins coach Bill Arnsparger passes
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins lost one of their former historic coaches today when Bill Arsnparger passed away at the age of 88. It’s safe to say, and I’m sure Don Shula would tell you the same, the Miami Dolphins of the 1970’s would not have been the same without him.
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Arnsparger was the man behind the famed 53 defense that the Dolphins used during the 70’s. He was the master behind the No-Name Defense and in the 1980’s designed the defense used by the tagged “Killer-Bees”.
Arnsparger had two stints with the Dolphins after leaving briefly to become the head coach of the New York Giants. In a released statement from the team, the Dolphins called him a “seminal figure in Dolphins history”. He is the only assistant coach to have a place on the Ring of Honor.
"“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Arnsparger who I thought was one of the greatest defensive coaches in football,” Shula said in a statement released by the Dolphins. “He molded two championship units, the No-Names and the Killer B’s, and was innovative in the way he used personnel. He pioneered situational substitutions with the “53” defense that changed the way the game was played on that side of the ball. If there was a Hall of Fame for assistant coaches, he would be one of the very first inductees. Mary Anne [Shula’s wife] and I want to extend our condolences to B.J. and the entire family.” – via the Miami Herald"
Arnsparger spent all but three of Don Shula’s 21 years of coaching by his side. Later he became the Athletic Director at Florida and was responsible for bringing Steve Spurrier to the Gators. Further solidifying his football legacy.
There is a lot of history with Bill Arnsparger and there really are few words that could encompass them all. So let’s just say, rest in peace Mr. Arsnparger. Rest in peace.