Former Syracuse football head coach Paul Pasqualoni was named Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator on Wednesday, filling a major role in the coaching staff of new Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.

Pasqualoni spent three years on the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff after being fired by Syracuse in December 2004. During the last two years, Pasqualoni has mentored the linebackers and before that, the Dallas tight ends. Pasqualoni was named Syracuse head coach in 1991 after four years as SU’s linebackers coach. He spent 14 years at the helm, compiling a 107-59-1 record in that time. Pasqualoni’s Orangemen enjoyed periods of success, including three consecutive Big East titles from 1996-98 and nine bowl appearances, of which Syracuse won six.

But Pasqualoni came under fire after his teams went a combined 16-20 over a three-year stretch from 2002-04. He was fired on Dec. 29, 2004, eight days after Syracuse was embarrassed in the Champs Sports Bowl by Georgia Tech, 51-14.

In the last three years, Pasqualoni has become close with Sparano and new Dolphins vice president of football operations and coaching legend Bill Parcells, who coached the Cowboys from 2003-06.