Dave Wannstedt has resigned as head coach of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins. Defensive coordinator Jim Bates has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Miami has the worst record in the NFL this season, losing eight of nine games. Little has gone right for Miami, as star running back Ricky Williams retired just before training camp, and top pass receiver David Boston suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason.
Wannstedt said somebody had to accept responsibility for the Dolphins' poor showing so he decided to step down. Team officials said they did not ask him to resign.
The 52-year-old Wannstedt coached Miami for four full seasons and guided the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first two seasons. Now the Dolphins are one defeat away from their first losing season since 1988.