Dolphins’ Ross, Ireland On The Same Page?

The Miami Dolphins owner sat next to his GM, Jeff Ireland and announced that Tony Sparano had been fired and that Todd Bowles was the interim HC.  The joint session played out minus Sparano or it would have looked eerily similar to the three headed apologetic announcement last season of Sparano’s retention.  You would think that the owner and the GM would be on the same page for this one.  Apparently not.

Stephen Ross declared that he is looking for a “young Don Shula”, an up and comer who has paid his dues and is ready for a shot at the big time.  Rob Chudzinski of the Carolina Panthers immediately came to mind.  An offensive man who does wonders with the quarterback position.  Just look what he has done with Cam Newton this season.  Jeff Ireland on the other hand declared that he wants a tested HC who has been in the trenches and has the knowledge of both the offense and the defense and has similar qualities to Sparano.  Like someone who works tirelessly.  So which one is it?  New or used?

Ross also stated emphatically that Jeff Ireland was not going anywhere which led to Jeff Ireland’s further declaration that the team is “perfect”.  An indication that the problem wasn’t the players, it was the coach who was coaching them.  I suppose it’s safe to say there are no players with prostitutes for mothers’ on this team.  Perhaps that is what he meant by “perfect” because if he is referring to the make-up of this team, he is seriously delusional.

Ireland has managed to overpay for mediocre talent that plays inconsistent.  While Karlos Dansby has stepped up the last month of the season it’s safe to say that Ireland’s own free agent acquisitions prior to this season, mainly along the offensive line and defensive secondary, have been worthless.  Still, it’s his opinion and one that Ross apparently supports.  The next head coach better hope that Ireland is right or Ireland may back-handedly blame that coach as well.

Ross wrapped up the impromptu presser by agreeing with Ireland on the roster while indicating that team needs a franchise QB by saying, “finding a quarterback is essential”.  Sorry Matt Moore, the owner of the team does not believe you are the future of this team.  Sparano must have signed him as a free agent.  While Ireland said that everyone in part was to blame for the 4-9 record thus far, he said that ultimately the responsibility was Tony Sparano’s.  Deflection won’t win many fans.

Ross indicated that he has not spoken with his friend Carl Peterson despite reports to the contrary and further explained his decision to fire Tony now by saying it gave him a head start to begin his coaching search, a direct indictment that Todd Bowles will not be that man.  The Dolphins still have three games to go on the season before Ross can even think of hiring a new guy to manage the teams players.  He and Jeff Ireland will begin that arduous task of working up a coaches wish list immediately.