Dolphins G.M. Jeff Ireland wasn’t a particularly popular figure in Miami heading into this offseason. The events of the last few weeks won’t change things.
The Dolphins went hard after Jeff Fisher, but they ultimately couldn’t close the deal because of Ireland’s presence.
Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports writes that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wouldn’t budge on Ireland’s control over the 53-man roster.
“This was Miami’s game to lose, and Ross decided he wanted his current G.M. to retain his current level of power. So the Rams got their man,” Silver said. “Fisher was willing to meet halfway on personnel control, but Ross wouldn’t budge. He’s an Ireland man.”
Perhaps this is Fisher’s view of things and the Dolphins would disagree. Right or wrong, the Dolphins are going to be Ireland men for a little while. It’s time for Ireland to deliver the next Don Shula to coach those Ireland men.
So who might that coach be?
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes that there is no favorite for the job now. The Dolphins are expected to expand their search after already interviewing interim head coach Todd Bowles, Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Bears special teams coach Dave Toub.