Ross to consider many things, including $$$$$

The Miami Dolphins are not a disaster. Let's get that clear right from the top.

The team was a disaster three years ago when Bill Parcells was hired and he, in turn, hired general manager Jeff Ireland and head coach Tony Sparano. In the last three years, Miami hasn't won a championship, but neither has is it become a stagnant organization.

The Dolphins are probably four or five starters from being a Super Bowl contender -- a quarterback, a running back, someone in the defensive backfield that is a dynamic playmaker, a speed receiver, and probably a really good interior offensive lineman.

[UPDATE: Some of you are noting that four or five starters is a lot to ask. Really? Miami's defense this year has a new NT, SOLB, MILB, WOLB, and FS. It would be five new starters if first round pick Jared Odrick had not been injured, which would have put him at RDE and Starks a first-time starter at NT. And the defense went from tied for 25th in the NFL in points allowed to tied for No. 9 currently. Miami's offense is 29th in the NFL in points scored now.]

It is against that backdrop that owner Stephen Ross will decide in the next couple of weeks whether to retain Ireland and Sparano or cut ties and search for a "star" head coach. A "star" coach, by the way, almost certainly comes with his own choice for a general manager, which is why Ireland is in play in this scenario, and his own staff.

Ross would fire Sparano only if he believes he can improve the situation with that star coach, I'm told by one person familiar with the owner's thinking.

Why?

Because, at its roots, this decision on a coach is a money decision. Ross hates losing, which is good reason enough, but beyond that, he is bitterly disappointed his grand plan to make Dolphins home games an experience and an event has been spoiled by the fact Miami finished 1-7 at home this year.

It doesn't matter how many concerts, celebrities and face-painters you have at the stadium on game days if the team on the field doesn't win. Fans cannot go home happy without victories. And those that go home frustrated, upset and angry are apt not to come back.

Beyond that, the fans Ross wants to attract who now have reasons to stay away are likely to continue finding other activities to fill their game days.

So Ross is apparently under pressure from within his own circle to make a change.

Those people are telling Ross that a star coach will reinvigorate the fan base, increase season ticket sales, and ultimately help Miami win. Notice the order I just gave you. Some of the business-marketing-partnership people talking to Ross see the business side of changing a coach first and the on-field result as almost secondary.

Money is first in their minds.

So, again, money is a major variable in this coming decision. Well, here's a money matter Ross should weigh before he makes his decision:

If he fires Sparano and brings in a "star" coach who then brings his own general manager type, the cost is going to be exceptional. Ross will be on the hook for paying the final year of Sparano's contract (approximately $3 million), he'll be on the hook for Ireland (approximately $2 million), he'll be on the hook for Bill Parcells ($4 million), he'll be on the hook for assistants (including Mike Nolan), and he hasn't even started paying the folks that will be actually working for him.

Ross will have to pay that "star" coach and that will cost approximately $6-$8 million. He'll have to pay for the new GM, which will be another $2 million or so, and of course, he'll be paying for a new coaching staff while stay paying off the contracts of the assistants still under contract that the new coach does not retain.

Do the math. Changing administrations could cost Ross between $18-$24 million.

No big deal, you say? Really?

Are you aware Ross moved heaven and earth to try to work a $7.9 million relief on his stadium debt payments recently? I'm not saying he's counting his pennies, but I am saying he's not going to dismiss having to possibly pony up $24 million to make a change without some serious thought.

The argument from the business people might be that Ross will make back the money in season-ticket sales. The Dolphins were slightly over 50,000 season tickets this year and believe a new "star" coach could push them another 6,700 to 10,000 more, depending on who it is and what moves the new guy makes in free agency and the draft.

That is, of course, a short-term view of the situation.

It should be noted when Jimmy Johnson took over from Don Shula in 1996, season ticket sales jumped by about 7,000. And the next year they fell back by about 5,000.

When Nick Saban, the hot coach at the time, took over in 2006, season sales actually fell by 2,000. And the hiring of Parcells as the Football Czar didn't help one iota, as sales fell off the table after 2007 from 54,646 to 46,131.

The point is the hiring of a big name doesn't come with a guarantee that ticket sales will soar. And when they have soared in the past, they have leveled off the following year.

So the season ticket argument is a short-sighted one, if history is to be believed.

Think about that. Stephen Ross probably will.

Comments

[ALoco]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL BUT FIRST TO THE GANG OF DEFEAT .

[superPHIN]

I liked it better when you used the handle mikeliver1313 aloco, but happy new year and heres to another prosperous mediocre year in dolphins football*lol*

[ALoco]

CAROLINA PANTHERS THE FIRST PICK FAVORITE FIRED MR FOX FOR ENDING THE SEASON AFTER 8 YEARS ON THE JOB......8 YEARS NOT JUST 3 .

[ALoco]

CATOLINA FIRED MR FOX THE COACH TODAY .

P.S...YOU THINK I AM MIKELIVER1313..LOL...KEEP THINKING THIS WAY .

[superPHIN]

wonder what the panthers fan base is like right now??!!!!

[ALoco]

VERY VERY HAPPY SUPERPHIN FOR DRAFTING FIRST OVER ALL .

[superPHIN]

aloco, i think your a lot of ppl but dont let that stop you from posting like you normally do...i rather enjoy your interesting commentary on matters....not just football related*lol*!!!!

[ALoco]

SUPERPHIN, I KNOW FOR A FACT YOU POST W/4 OTHER NAMES ,SO PLEASE DON'T TRY TO TURN THE TABLE ON ME .

I ENJOY READING YOUR EVERY POST.IT'S A FACT , EVEN IF THEY ALL WRONG THOUGHT .

[superPHIN]

are you sure its me aloco?? or do you just print in blue and paste and copy in black*lol*

[0x80]

Gailey is actually a good coach. Even Jerry Jones said one regret he had was letting him go to soon.

These folks that complain about the fans need to go read the constitution. It doesn't say we should be blind sheep and accept anything and everthing from the government, it says we should speak up. In Thomas Jeffersons own words, speaking up for what you believe is only more patriotic.

My biggest criticism is that I just don't see TS having the intellect to be a HC. He may be a great motivator, its great that the players like him, that is the sole positive thing I see in him. He has to be hands down the least intelligent coach the fins ever had. I do not seem him ever matching wits with the elite coaches in this league. Additionally, every single ounce of criticism against Henning falls on Sparanos lap too, for he is the HC, he overseas everything, and its is ultimately up to him to lead the coordinators, not just blindly accept what they do. However he can't lead them, because having never been a coordinator, he just isn't knowledgeable enough to steer them straight or simply say, Mr. Henning, 3rd and goal from the 14, I don't think a run is a good call. So, in my mind, he has proven himself many times over to be unqualified to be HC. It's called the Peter Principle, check it out.

[cowkilla]

Aloco...everyone knew, even dogs knew that Fox was out the door after this year..so that's hardly the "all knowing" info that you claim to know.

[ALoco]

i am tired of arguing ,what do you have today for dinner ?
i have steamed goose and roasted bruns .

[ALoco]

cowkilla, agrre w/you ...my point was they will draft first and i know that you know that too but i chose to post it to point it out and i know that you know what i know and more .

[Kris]

Aloco...just saw the Gay Kris post....thought we had put that immature crap behind us a few days ago....guess you thought different.

Well...

Happy New Year to you....enjoy your exsitence how ever lonely it is.

and thats all I got to say about that

[cowkilla]

I'm cooking Filet's for all my friends tonight before we drink it up. I'll be cooking 17 Filet's with sweet pepper and vegetable kabobs...mmmmmm mmmmmm good

[cowkilla]

I know man I'm just messin wit ya Aloco, happy new years to all out here on the blog

[cowkilla]

Inside info from a school buddy that works on miami's staff...
Now for some rumors on what positions Miami is looking for in the draft and FA... I heard that Miami is looking for
-legit number two WR with speed
-kick/punt returner with speed
-TE
- OG
-OLB
- and possibly a C or NT, depending on if we do or can sign Incognito and Soliai.
This is straight from the horse's mouth gentlemen...

[Jimmy Jam]

Starting to sink further into football depression.

I have the distinct feeling (only made worse by this article) that Tony and his bumbling time management, play not to lose, satisfied with mediocrity, churn the roster and lose approach will be back next year to doom us fans to more depressing, garbage football.

Thank goodness for Nolan. Oh wait, he'll probably be a head coach somewhere else next season.

Ugh. Maybe we can beat the Bills and be third in the division again next year.

If Tony stays on, maybe all those who say "stay the course" will prove to be right. Maybe a new OC and a new QB... ah, who the heck am I kidding? New QB? Who? We won't draft one (and if we do, it won't be the right one) and the available vets are not anything special. New OC? Possible, but what do you want to bet it'll be that cretin McDaniel who both Nolan and BMarsh hate?

Like I said... Ugh.

[ALoco]

the imposters are too many to handle

[superPHIN]

Cooked ham and deviled eggs, and sweet potatoes.....mmmmmm good!!!!!

[Kris]

To the rest....friend and foe alike......

Happy New Year......Lets see if we can help Ross figure this thing out on the 2nd....doubt any of our brains will be worth a dam on the 1st.....

Oh...and Aloco....i know...i know..it wasn't you...you only want peace.....playing the "slow" child again

[Home]

HAARPy new year, ya bunch of scalaywags

Please drive safe or not all

Peace, Love & Birth Control
Home

[superPHIN]

aloco, why dont you print in blue if ppl as u call it imposter u so much...its not that hard!!!!

[ALoco]

ham and deviled eggs ?

do you have tuna casserole also ?

[superPHIN]

i gave up anything named tuna after 2008...must be a coicendence.....

[superPHIN]

Espn predicted NE would beat miami sunday(no surprise) but it would Brian Hoyer that would outplay and out shine henne once again in battle of QB's......thats just sad and pitiful to think if it does indeed play out that way sunday!!!!Happy New Year to all posters, and imposters alike!!!!*lol*

[Billy the Little Retarded Boy]

I a wnamt PIE for diner!

[Gay Kris]

happy new year to all my special friends

[Mrs. Agnes Wilson of Pembroke Pines]

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:

I, Agnes Wilson, pledge to URINATE in at least 75% of the Publix outlets in the tri-county region in 2011.

I shall urinate in the produce aisle, at customer service, in frozen foods, and at the deli.

I shall leave puddles both large and small. I shall urinate in front of the elderly, children, every race, creed, and sexual persuasion.

It will be a year of great urination!

[Cuban Menace]

Guys Looks like we're stuck(Financial reasons) With the fist pumper and the guy looking for "ho's", Oh well, how much worse could it get??????

[ALoco]

I TOOK THe DING DONG TROLLEY TO KITTY CAT LAND!! CLANG CLANG WHOO WHOO!!

[canesnfins]

I like Sporano but I don't think he's a head coach. I mean to stand around and let your OC call Conservative BS plays and not make any adjustments you deserve to be fired.to be satistfied with FG 's and playing not to lose that's shows a side of weakness and other teams know it

[Jonny A]

Quick list of things to do this offseason:

*Keep Sparano and Ireland for one more year.
*Hire soon to be fired Gary Kubiak to be our new OC.
*Get Steve Smith from Carolina. He still has good years left in him and would give a good speed complement to Marshall.
*Go after veteran QB - Orton, Garcia, Palmer ?
*Sign a legitimate starting CB and fire Sean Smith. My goodness, we missed Will Allen this year.
*Draft a QB in 1st round - worth trading up for Mallett if we could find a way. Otherwise, Gabbert.
*Rest of draft: TEs, OL help
*Make the stadium experience cool - get rid of "Fin's Up", B-celebrity nonsense immediately!!!

[canesnfins]

Go after Gruden and draft s QB and have Gruden develop him into his system and try to hold onto Nolan. This team is not far but to stay with this coaching staff would be just the SOS!!

[Craig M]

There's a report out there that Charlie Weis will be done as OC in Kansas City at the end of this season. The story is that he will take over as the OC for the Florida Gators. Anybody else think he'd be a nice fit here in Miami or would you guys prefer to have somebody younger.

I read a comment from dolphin 77 from earlier today. His comment was 'spending money wins championships'.....REALLY?.....and how has that worked out for Dan Synder or Jerry Jones or Al Davis. STABILITY wins championships. You just have to look at Pittsburgh, Indy, NE for that....three of the most successful organizations for quite a while now.

[shybob]

Let's make a small offering to appease the football gods. Change the name of the stadium back to Joe Robbie. SunLife Field At Joe Robbie Stadium. Might be a start to lifting the curse. We need to take a look back at the things that made this organization great and see if there is anything we might use today. I know it was exciting to watch during the Don's years.Most games you certainly thought we always had a chance to win.Not like the last few years.1-15, 1-7 at home, C'mon man!!! We have access to such a wealth of football knowledge, our alumni, it's a shame we don't reach out and use it.

[ALoco]

Graig m, CHarlie wies is the best OC OUT there but seems he wants no thing to do w/nfl work load and his problems w/the HC there ..he will be next to the young HC OF THE GATORS WHo was hired last month and USE TO WORK for Nick Saban .charlie wies has 3 SB RINGS AS YOU KNOW ,HE'S GETTING OLD FOR THE NFL .

[ALoco]

ANOTHER REASON FOR CHARLIE NOT WANTING A HC JOB,HE HARDLY CAN WALK NOW ,HE USES A GOLF CART TO MOVE AROUND .

[ALoco]

AND THAT BRINGS US TO JOSH MACDANIEL GOING TO KANSAS W/PIOLI .

POILI ALSO HAS 3 SB RINGS..

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

all over news here in kc,. weis hated haley. monday press conf in florida , new oc of gators

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

good to know we wont have to watch jacory harris anymore. that kid is awful

[ALoco]

CHARLIE WIES HIS BEST JOB EVER WAS NOTRE DAME ,
4 YEARS = 21 MILLION ..LEFT AFTER 3

[Fishypete]

It's not that the Dolphins are only 5 players away from being a serious contender, they are 5 right players away but it all depends on one player who touches the football on every play, the QB. It seems that the QB that has been given as an example is Simms, well Simms sucked until he had players around him that could win and in fact if not for a wide right fieldgoal attempt by the Bills, the Giants could have lost that game. Griese was no different, he was just another QB until the Dolphins acquired the right players around him too. Without the play of the O-line, Czonka and Warfield, where would have the Dolphins been? Simms and Griese were nothing but managers of the game.

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

simms was very good. so accurate

[dolphin 77]

craig m it does, but you have to get all the right players and personel to do so. dan snyder come on, 100 mill on one player that's not how you do it.

[bobbyd12]

Craig M, "stability wins Championships" 1000% correct. Last year we had the Second Highest payroll in the NFL. Where that get us

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

i agree with bobby, awful signings by the trifecta. just cause u spend money doesnt mean u will win. almost everything they did was garbage. i look forward to a new staff and a great future

[shybob]

Bob Griese became a better quarterback after the millionaires left. He did well with a lot less talent. 6 touchdown passes against the St Louis Cardinals. Not too bad for a guy with 2 bad knees , a bad shoulder and wore glasses.C'mon Man!!!

[0x80]

bill_c, sure looks like Sparanderthal is staying...new OC and a struggle to find a new QB is basically what will change.

[ALoco]

THE PATS ARE NUMBER 13 ON THE MONEY SCALE.THE ONLY 2 GUYS WHO GETS BIG MONEY ARE BRADY AND WILFORK ,

WELKER MAKES LESS THAN BESS
WOODHEAD MAKES LESS THAN FASANO....THEY SIGN YOU AT LOW FIRST THEN AFTER 3 YEARS YOU R OUT UNLESS YOU R BRADY .

[ALoco]

BRANCH MAKES LESS THAN BESS
FERNANDEZ MAKES LESS THAN FASANO

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

he wont stay. trust me hes fired. if hes not this franchise is doomed for quite some time. another 7-9, 8-8 season will kill the fan base even more sadly enough

[bobbyd12]

Everyone have a SAFE and Happy Mew Year.

[bryan in ohio]

pony up the 24 million ross get us cowher!!!!!!

[Southern dude]

Josh McDaniel is a puss. We got the two best components of his team; we don't want him. He sucks. Bilicheat caried him. He sucks.

[klndry]

There is no way that the management sees Henne turn into clunk clunk clunk throw. He holds a bunch of records doesn't he?

Ross would be nuts to throw away 24 million dollars. I don't think that Sparano is that bad a coach. However, Ireland and Parcels did waste a lot of the owners money on crappy FA's and draft picks.

But someone has to answer. I think it will be Henning and Ireland. Henning because he has worn out his welcome and Ireland because even if he was Parcells fall guy, someone has to pay.

[blindref]

If only two changes are made PLEASE make it HENNE and HENNING.After the Pats game this will be very clear if not already, this would be a good start.

[Omar]

Armando wow! You reporters with your agendas.... I guess you want Ross to read this so he does not make the move that has to be done... Other than the first season under the Trifecta; which benefited from the weakest schedule that year, the re-emergence of Pennington, and frankly we only won one (1) game the year before WHAT HAS THIS TRIFECTA Done! Unable to pick a QB, Conservative by circumstance they created. I am sorry whatever Sparano says he knows the fixes... let me think ... why not implement them 8 weeks ago.. GOOD try Armando. Ross clean house on the Offense side of the coaching staff, and find some one that can feed the beast (Marshall)

[DyingBreed]

Armando,

Read your skewed numbers game. Season ticket sales dropping the 2nd season under Johnson may had more to do with his decision to move on from the fan favorite and legendary Marino.

2000 season ticket drop upon hiring Nick Saban. You call hiring a little known college HC before winning a national championship a start powered coach. Are you just kidding yourself and asking the rest of us to just play along? OK.....wink.....wink!

Parcells? Lets have another little laugh, lol! Season ticket sales would have dropped after a 1-15 season even if Jesus Christ were named head coach. who in thier right mind would have expected the Fins to go even 6-10 at best after the disastrous 1-15 season. LOL...

Bottomline Armando:

As you stated we may be only 4-5 new starters away on offense and a dynamic db away from being a great team. Still that doesnt fix the consistent game management problems of TS. It doesnt fix the fact that we are one of the worst 2nd half adjustment teams in the league.

The real question here is not how much more we spend in the short run to get it exactly right. The real question is how much more will it cost in the long run if we dont. Remember the old mechanic commercial where the guy goes:

"You can see me now.........Or.........You can see me later."

We all know it almost always cost far more when you have to see him later. LOL...........

[redsky]

DyingBreed, you outdid yourself, great post!