Coaching Search Begins

The Miami Dolphins began their head coaching search immediately today.  Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells were likely on the phone before Cam Cameron could get his boxes out to his car.  Here is a quick list of potential interviewees and where they stand as of today…in no particular order.

1:  Rex Ryan – recently fired as the Baltimore Ravens DC, Ryan was likely the first guy that was contacted.  No permission was needed.  Ryan also may be the candidate for the DC position as well.  Currently there has been no scheduled.  Ryan is also expected to interview with Atlanta and oddly enough…Baltimore.

2:  Leslie Frazier – permission was requested and granted by the Vikings.  Frazier would satisfy the Rooney rule, but he is a qualified candidate.  The problem is that Frazier is a Tampa 2 defensive coordinator and both Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells like the 3-4.  Although Frazier will likely be interviewed at some point, nothing has been scheduled yet and it is unlikely that he will actually receive the job.

3:  Mike Singletary – the 49ers DC and former Chicago Bear is a huge player favorite.  His passion as a coach is something that his players applaud.  Singletary found a way to brilliantly use rookie LB Patrick Willis this year.  Willis only led the NFL..the ENTIRE NFL…in tackles and is a starter on the Pro-Bowl team for the NFC.  Nothing has been scheduled and the 49ers have not been contacted.  He is only a speculated candidate.

4:  Maurice Carthon – a former player under Parcells, Carthon is currently the RB coach for the Arizona Cardinals.  Carthon spoke with Parcells earlier to let him know that all friendship aside, he would be making sure that Parcells did in fact follow the Rooney rule.  Carthon is a long shot for the HC position and nothing has been scheduled nor permission requested to speak with him.

5:  Todd Haley – the former coach in Dallas now runs the Arizona Cardinals offense as their coordinator.  He and Parcells have a very good relationship unlike he and Terrell Owens.  Haley could also be a candidate for the OC position as well if he is given the AC title as well.  No permission has been requested as of yet.

6:  Romeo Crennel – the Cleveland Browns have him locked up for another two years and a source I have in Cleveland tells me they are trying to get him an extension.  Crennel would cost the Dolphins draft picks or money which is unlikely.  I only put him on this list because he has been a hot rumor of late.

7:  Todd Bowles – the Dallas Cowboys will likely have their coaching staff ripped apart this season and Bowles will be another one who could receive an interview with Parcells.  The problem is that Bowles is not quite ready for an HC position, he could be a potential target for the DC position in Miami.

8:  Tony Sparano – here is the most talked about candidate.  Sparano knows Parcells, Sparano knows Ireland, and Sparano knows football.  A dedicated football guy according to Parcells two years ago, Sparano was the play caller last season under Bill and is currently the assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the ‘Boyz.  Although no permission has publicly been announced, the Dolphins will have to move quick if this is the guy they want.  Sparano is scheduled to meet with Atlanta tomorrow and come Saturday, he will not be available again for interviews until either the Cowboys get eliminated from the playoffs or during the bye week prior to the Super Bowl.

9:  Mike Tice – the former HC of the Vikings and presently coach in Jacksonville is expected to receive some interest however, it is not expected to be serious consideration.  Nothing has been scheduled or requested for Tice.