Gone are the days of Chris Grier, Tua Tagovailoa, and false hope for real change within the Miami Dolphins organization. Stephen Ross is counting on new blood and his own patience to see his franchise turn into a consistent winner.
Jon-Eric Sullivan, Jeff Hafley, and Malik Willis now form the connected trio who hope not only to turn the roster into a winning team but also to bring the focus and commitment that have defined the Green Bay Packers for decades.
There is no way of knowing how they will work through this progression, or if they will succeed, but Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur believes they are perfect for the job.
Matt LaFleur offers high praise for the Miami Dolphins and their "Green Bay South" approach
Owners, coaches, and GMs are meeting in Arizona for the annual owners meeting this week. On Monday, LaFleur and others met with the press. When asked what the Dolphins are doing, one reporter referred to them as "Green Bay South." The comment didn't surprise LaFleur, who replied that he calls them that, too.
It's not surprising, given the number of players and coaches who have moved to South Florida.
"That’s what I say, too, they’re taking everybody. What are they doing?"Matt LaFleur
Sullivan spent 22 years with the Packers. The environment in Green Bay is as much a part of him as anything else. It shaped who he is as an executive. Something that is not lost on LaFleur.
"“I know Sully and Haf well, and I think they’re going to do a great job over there.”"Matt LaFleur
This is good to hear, but fans shouldn't expect anything less. They all worked closely together. Troy Aikman also saw the potential, which was one of the reasons Ross went in that direction.
LaFleur had high praise for Miami's new head coach, as reported by Sun-Sentinel's Dolphins beat writer, David Furones.
"He’ll be outstanding,” LaFleur said of Hafley as a first-time NFL head coach. “He is, No. 1, a great person. He’s a great communicator, loves ball, loves people. And he’s done it. He’s been in the seat at BC. I think he did an outstanding job. He’s a guy that I got a ton of respect for, a ton of love for. Certainly going to miss him, but I’m happy for his opportunity."
Miami needs good leadership, the kind that holds itself accountable as much as it holds the players. It's been a long time, perhaps dating back to Jimmy Johnson, when the standards were higher. In Green Bay, that standard has been around for decades.
The question of whether or not these three can succeed, and to what degree, will not be known for a couple of more seasons. The NFL Draft will offer a taste of what they look for in draft prospects. The undrafted signings will also confirm the direction they take with players in terms of fit and style of play. Their attitude, work ethic, and attention to the game will also play a big part.