MIAMI (Jan. 24, 2006) -- Dom Capers joined the Miami Dolphins, giving Nick Saban two new assistants with NFL head coaching experience.

Capers, hired as special assistant to Saban, coached the Houston Texans for their first four seasons before being fired the day after they finished the 2005 season 2-14. He also coached the Carolina Panthers in their first four seasons, from 1995-98.

On Jan. 22, Saban hired as offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, who coached the Buffalo Bills to a 14-18 record the last two seasons.

Capers, 55, spoke with Saban earlier this month about joining the Dolphins and accepted the offer after failing to land another head coaching job.

"We're pleased to have someone as well-respected as Dom join the Dolphins," Saban said in a statement. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to Miami and will be a valuable addition to our staff."

Capers' area of expertise is defense, where the Dolphins ranked 18th in the NFL last season, Saban's first as their coach. He's expected to discuss his staff additions with reporters Jan. 25 at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Capers went 18-46 at Houston and 31-35 at Carolina. He led the Panthers to the NFC championship game in the 1996 season.

Capers was defensive coordinator for Pittsburgh in 1992-94 and Jacksonville in 1999-2000. He first met Saban at Kent State, where both were graduate assistants in 1973-74.

"I've known Nick for a very long time and have the utmost respect for the job he has done at every coaching position he has held," Capers said. "I appreciate the opportunity he has given me, and I'm looking forward to working with him and his staff in any way I can to help the organization achieve its goals."