WANNSTEDT Miami Dolphins coach set to resign

Defensive coordinator Jim Bates is expected to be the interim coach.
MIAMI (AP) -- Coach Dave Wannstedt's latest loss with the Miami Dolphins may be his last.
Midway through a dismal season that has left Miami with the NFL's worst record, Wannstedt was expected to resign today, according to media reports late Monday. Television station WTVJ reported Wannstedt already resigned.
Wannstedt met Monday night at the team's complex with owner Wayne Huizenga, who confirmed an announcement was planned.
It's unclear whether Wannstedt was forced to resign midway through a dismal season that began with the retirement of running back Ricky Williams and has left the team at 1-8. The timing of the move wasn't surprising with the Dolphins beginning their bye week.
Defensive coordinator Jim Bates was expected to be named interim coach. His first game would be Nov. 21 at Seattle. He was coach of the USFL's San Antonio Gunslingers in 1985 and became the Dolphins' defensive coordinator in 2000.
Embarrassing loss
Miami blew two leads and lost 24-23 Sunday to the Arizona Cardinals, who ended a 17-game road losing streak. The Dolphins endured their most lopsided defeat of the season last Monday, 41-14 against the archrival New York Jets.
Dolphins players were aware of Wannstedt's tenuous future and the rising tide of discontent among fans.
"I feel sorry for the guy because he's a first-class guy," cornerback Patrick Surtain said after Sunday's defeat.
"It's not like guys aren't going out there giving 110 percent and laying it on the line for him. We're doing it all -- getting holding penalties, offsides, we're doing crazy stuff. How can he control that when he's on the sidelines?"
Wannstedt barely avoided being fired after last season, when Miami failed to reach the playoffs for the second year in a row. Owner Wayne Huizenga decided to keep Wannstedt but stripped him of authority over personnel decisions.
Off-season woes
Little has gone right for Miami since. Wannstedt was twice forced to change offensive coordinators during the off-season, and Williams abruptly retired just before training camp. Receiver David Boston, the top off-season acquisition, suffered a season-ending knee injury before the first exhibition game.
That was the start of an injury wave as the Dolphins endured the worst start in their 39-year history. They're one defeat from their first losing season since 1988.
Wannstedt, who succeeded Jimmy Johnson in 2000, has a record of 43-33 in Miami. His career NFL record, including six seasons with the Chicago Bears, is 84-90.
Wannstedt was fired in 1997 by the Bears. His final two teams there went 4-12.