University of Rhode Island football coach Darren Rizzi is resigning to become special teams coach of the Miami Dolphins. His resignation is effective on Tuesday.

Rizzi, who met with his players at 7 p.m. Saturday night, had been on the staff of Dolphins coach Tony Sparano when they were both at the University of New Haven.

Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn said Saturday that he was surprised.

"Certainly you now when you hire a good aggressive coach, he’ll have an opportunity to move on," Bjorn said.

In a statement released by the school Saturday night, Rizzi said the decision to leave was difficult:

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as the head coach of the Rhode Island football program. My 14 months here in Kingston have been a tremendous experience both personally and professionally.

"This was a very difficult decision to make because of my strong emotional ties to the school. However, the chance to coach with Tony Sparano again and to work for the Miami Dolphins organization is an opportunity that is best for my family and I.

"Although my stay was short, I feel the program has grown tremendously and under the direction of Athletics Director Thorr Bjorn, I know this program will win championships.

"As an alum, I am going to change from the head coach to the biggest fan of the program. My only regret is that I am leaving this great university and the student-athletes and staff, who have committed themselves to this program.

"My family and I would like to thank the university community for their loyalty and support during our time in Kingston.”

Rizzi came to URI in a little more than a year ago after a successful stint as an assistant coach at Rutgers. He was an All-American tight end at URI in the early 1990’s and his return generated enormous excitement among URI fans. He coached only the 2008 season and compiled a record of 3-9.

Bjorn said he will begin a search immediately to find Rizzi’s successor. He hopes to have a new coach in place for the start of spring practice at the end of march or the beginning of April.

Despite Rizzi’s departure after only one season, Bjorn remains enthusiastic about the future of URI football.

"What we’re trying to do is build a program and the program is bigger than a player or a coach and building a program can take two or three years," Bjorn said.