The meeting Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland were to have with owner Stephen Ross began in earnest this afternoon.
Ross arrived at the Dolphins facility at 1 p.m. Monday and stayed for several hours -- outlasting some employees that left at the close of business, The Herald's Jeff Darlington is reporting.
I am reporting Ross met with Ireland first and Sparano afterward.
Ross was in the company of club Chief Executive Officer Mike Dee.
It is reasonable to believe the club owner is allowing Sparano to give his version of what happened with the Dolphins in 2010 and a plan for addressing everything that is wrong -- including whether he would fire or relieve any assistants and what his plan would be for addressing obvious definciencies on the team, including the quarterback position.
It has been known for weeks that Sparano's job is on the line. The season-ending three-game losing skid, including the 38-7 loss to New England in the season finale did not help matters for the incumbent coach. A 1-7 record at home is also an issue that Ross was unhappy about this season.
"It was a productive meeting," Ross told Darlington this evening while at Sun Life Stadium for the Orange Bowl game.
On Monday, Sparano met with the media and gave few details on what he planned to tell Ross, with few being defined as none.
“I’m not going to get into that," Sparano said. "That’s going to be between me and Mr. Ross and we’ll go through that. But, I’m not going to get into all or any of those things right now.”
Sparano was asked how he would convince Ross he is the right man to coach the team going forward -- even as potential candidates Jon Gruden and Jim Harbaugh were working at Sun Life Stadium tonight, one as an announcer for ABC, the other as the Stanford head coach leading his team during the Orange Bowl.
"I’m not going to get into my plan with Mr. Ross," Sparano said, meaning he wasn't going to share the plan with the media.
The fact the meeting with Sparano was likely happening one day after the season ended suggests Ross plans to move fairly quickly in making a decision about the coach.
First - Go Dolphi......
Uh, nevermind.
Prolly gonna use every single pick on offense.
That's okay, just get it right!!
Posted by: R & R EXPRESS | January 03, 2011 at 06:45 PM
keep sparano or fire him, doesn't matter. just please get a new Qb
Posted by: Finsfan34 | January 03, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Sam Bradford is worth 3 to 4 wins... Miami (7-9 in 2010) is a QB away, period.
Posted by: Bill Parcells | January 03, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Move quickly you say?
Hurry up and fire Dan Henning!
Posted by: R & R EXPRESS | January 03, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Have any of you guys been to Georgie's Alibi in Wilton Manors? Supposed to be a great place to watch a game for us who "swing the other way."
Thinking of heading over for the OB game---you can respond anonymously if you want even though it's 2011 and who cares!! Thanks!
Posted by: pete in pompano | January 03, 2011 at 06:48 PM
You guys are forgetting coaching led us to many of these losses...
You all want to Keep Morono, especially Armando who for some reason thinks he is a good head coach.
Have fun sucking again next year.
Posted by: test | January 03, 2011 at 06:48 PM
Armando what do you think will happen?
Posted by: Eric | January 03, 2011 at 06:49 PM
I hate Bill Parcells.
You are nothing without Bill Belicheat.
Posted by: R & R EXPRESS | January 03, 2011 at 06:49 PM
JUST SAY NO TO THE GANG OF DEFEET
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 06:49 PM
3 hours is a long time to hear from a coach is going to get fired.
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 06:54 PM
The more ross waits the more sparano is let back for 1 more season..He's gonna let the fans cool down..Then he's gonna anounce that they will hire Dorell as oc..Than they will say that the offense will open up more and that we need speed ..Thats all thats gonna happen ...I hope i'am wrong..THE WHOLE OFF SEASON IS GONNA BE ABOUT IRELAND AND SPARANO TALKING ABOUT THE SPEED THEY NEED..OH WELL!
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 03, 2011 at 06:55 PM
remember , ross had a meeting first w/ireland for about an hour before sparano joined in .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 06:56 PM
ross doesn't seem like a guy who is looking to replace his coach. He likes the fist pumps.
Posted by: BoulderFinFan | January 03, 2011 at 06:58 PM
THE man who handle the money side of things is MIKE DEE and for him to be at the meeting is very telling .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Vous êtes tous des bouffons.
Posted by: Pierre la grenouille française | January 03, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Armando, What is Mike Nolan's future?
Posted by: R & R EXPRESS | January 03, 2011 at 06:59 PM
if ireland and sparano stay.. i quit
Posted by: TIme4achange | January 03, 2011 at 06:59 PM
Ricky Williams just said he is playing football next year? Is he worth a new contract?
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 03, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Boulder, mr ross is an old fashion guy,he doesn't like to hire phony people .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:00 PM
It's hard to say who was responsible EXACTLY-- for the changes in our offensive line and not bringing back Martin for our 2nd TE. But those are two decisions that really hurt our offense OUTSIDE of bizarre play calling. I think we also made a big mistake by drafting Brandon Marshall without keeping at LEAST Ted Ginn or Anthony Armstrong. Two guys that can at least stretch the field. I also thin that for some reason this year became all about trying to get Marshall the ball. Which lead to forcing the issue. He also has a much too loud mouth for someone who drops that many passes. He's been responsible for several drive stalling plays.
Posted by: Moneyjacket | January 03, 2011 at 07:01 PM
WHEN THE DUST SETTLES .. MIKE LOMBARDI WAS RIGHT LAST WEEK..WHEN HE SAID THAT PARCELLS CONVINCED ROSS TO KEEP SPARANO..
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 03, 2011 at 07:01 PM
Blacerote,
If Ross keeps Sparano/Ireland he may as well sign them to 3yr extensions. If you think the team looked bad in 2010, wait and see how bad they will be playing for a 1yr lameduck staff.
Ross will have to be all in or all out on this decision. LOL...................
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 03, 2011 at 07:01 PM
That Frenchy is gay.
Posted by: Deutschland Uber Alles | January 03, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Vous les gens ont besoin de se détendre et manger un peu et Baguttes ciggerettes de fumée et de s'appuyer contre les murs, comme nous, les hommes français.
Posted by: Pierre la grenouille française | January 03, 2011 at 07:03 PM
there is a firing going to happen and i am like the rest of you i dont care as long as miami starts winning with out gimmicks and gadgets plain and simple get and offense it is needed
Posted by: james | January 03, 2011 at 07:03 PM
AT THAT MEETING MR IRELAND MUST HAVE THE LIST OF THE PLAYERS WHO R GOING TO GO OFFSEASON AND THEIR SALARIES AN D THE PLAN FOR THE COMING DRAFT OF A QB ,SO MR ROSS HAS A LOT TO THINK ABOUT .PLUS WE HAVE STADIUM 23,000 SEATS EMPTY EVERY WEEK .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Wasn't it great when Germany kicked France's butt back in WWI and WWII?
Posted by: Deutschland Uber Alles | January 03, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Good move by Ross to interview them separately though. This gives chance for him to see if gm and hc are truly on the same page. If they arent thats a huge problem and most likely where all of our troubles were spawned. LOL.........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 03, 2011 at 07:04 PM
b12,
I say we resign Ricky because he wont be expensive but let Ronnie go.
Keep Ricky as our no2 RB and draft a RB
Posted by: Mark | January 03, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Ross using old detective ruse of separating both suspects to see if thier stories match or get one to roll over on the other. LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 03, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Mark, I agree
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 03, 2011 at 07:07 PM
I think the interior of our "O" line is where the biggest problem is our rushing just went to pot Chad had to make his decisions just a little to fast and I believe most of the sacks came from an inside push. So this is the first place I would start, there arn't any Q-Bs in this league that can handle inside in your face presure every snap.
Posted by: waynejr | January 03, 2011 at 07:07 PM
BD12,
WE NEED A NEW LOOK ,A NEW PLAN ,A NEW LIFE, A NEW QB ,A NEW RB . AND GET TED GINN BACK .
SAY NO TO RICKY AND BROWN .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Did they fire Dan Henning yet?
Posted by: R & R EXPRESS | January 03, 2011 at 07:08 PM
The Chargers have fired their Special Teams coach.
What are the Dolphins waiting for...
Posted by: Mark | January 03, 2011 at 07:09 PM
Well, heading into Sun Life to watch two WINNING teams play. I hope one day those teams will be the Canes and Fins. Maybe. Everyone have a great night
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 03, 2011 at 07:10 PM
DB,
EVEN IF SPARANO GETS FIRED ,HE'S A WINNER .HE WILL GET HIS 3 MILLION DUE HIM FOR THE NEX YEAR .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:10 PM
Time to go with younger fresher legs and move on from Ricky too. Remember with each new season you get less and less from Ricky.
Does he have a few nice runs left in him? Absolutely! But that could only 10 or less for the entire season. True Dolphin fans. We hate moving on. LOL.........
Posted by: DyingBreed | January 03, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Le peuple allemand sont des cochons, nous les hommes savoir-faire français à la lumière des cigarettes et s'appuyer contre les murs avec les meilleurs d'entre eux, nous pouvons être obnoxous mais nous faire un grand vin
.
Posted by: Pierre la grenouille française | January 03, 2011 at 07:11 PM
DAN HENNING ,LEE AND RIZZI WILL OPENA PIZZA JOINT .DAN IS THE MANGER,LEE IS THE TAKE OUT GUY AND RIZZI MAKES THE PIZZA .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Offencive coordenator gotta go period
Posted by: waynejr | January 03, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Cowher has experience, that's why you pay him more and you hire him. If you need a neurosurgeon to take out a brain tumor or a lawyer to keep you out of jail, which one do you hire, the rookie or the guy who's been there before?
Just because it took him 14 years or whatever to win a SB, it doesn't mean it will take him that long to do it again. Even if it does, it's a surer bet than Harbaugh (or Sparano for that matter).
Posted by: essence | January 03, 2011 at 07:13 PM
FASANO IS GONE ALSO.
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Deutschland Uber Alles,
Yes that was great.
How about when we kicked France's a s s at Dien Bien Phu?
Posted by: The Vietnamese | January 03, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Craig M...saw your post from the last blog.....I got to disagree stilll...by the coaches you throw out who are retained...seems to me that you like medicority...so if thats what you like....then more power.... to yo man....but I want to be special.....and you can't be special by being .500.....by definition .500 is nothing special...66-65 as a record is mediocre....if you want 9 years of .500 ball...then I don't really know to tell you.....
Posted by: Kris | January 03, 2011 at 07:15 PM
These are the times when franchises make very good, or very bad choices. There is NO REASON to run off like a wild man at "Getting er done" until there is a solid plan...
Case and point... 1999 Jacksonville just hands Miami their Butts... Bye Bye Dan, Bye Bye Jimmy.... heLLO!!!! WANNY!!!!!!
Nah.... that sort of shiznit is the LAST thing we need.
IF... and I say IF... we must suffer a complete blow out... I do not want to see another "Conservative minded"... "Field Position".... "Defense win Championships" Regime in Miami.... I have seen enough of those to know they have become obsolete on most Sunday's.
I think Bill Cowher is a great Coach... I also feel he is more of the same... I may be wrong in that Cowher may have seen in his 4 year at being a Talking Head that the League has made the Offensive side of the ball where it is at. All the rules, all the fines, all the last word... is given to the Offense. And teams like the Patriots have learned to exploit it while The Jests and Us are still beating our heads against the wall...
Be smart here Ross..... Be smart... This could make or break your ownership.. right here and now.
Think OFFENSE.... Mike Nolan has the D well in hand.
Posted by: Derek | January 03, 2011 at 07:16 PM
I LOVE FRENCH FOOD ,I LOVE FRENCH WOMEN AND THE WAY THEY MAKE LOVE ,VERY DIFFERENT AND BEAUTIFUL .NOT LIKE THE WOMEN FROM NICARAGUA .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:16 PM
Did you know that 'COONTIE STARCH' was a main source of income in early South Florida?
It was made from the Coontie plant, whose roots were boiled down to create a starch used in the cleaning industry.
Coontie starch fell out of favor when cheaper, synthetic alternatives appeared.
There are still Coontie plants in South Florida, but not too many!!
Posted by: Franklin Beeber | January 03, 2011 at 07:16 PM
@Deutschland Uber Alles - The fact you are supporting Germany's decision in WWI and WWII is beyond me, secondly that idiot is not French, he's just using an online translator. For anyone who actually knows how to read and write in French, what is written is completely wrong and makes no sense.
I'm for keeping Tony, cutting Henning, Lee, and anyone associated with the Offense that BILL PARCELLS (not Tony Sparano) put in place. I'm only wondering, if we get rid of Henning and the other coordinators, who is available or who could we actually interest in comming here? Any suggestions?
Posted by: FrenchFinFan | January 03, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Probably only talking bout how to keep them darn chemtrail pilots at least 50 miles away from the stadium
... and of course the Dan Henning "Retirement" announcement
have a HAARPy new year
Posted by: Home | January 03, 2011 at 07:17 PM
NO MORE RICKY AND RONNIE..RICKY GO AND PLAY IN SANDIEGO YOUR LAST YEAR ..AND RONNIE GO AND PLAY WITH THE PANTHERS OR SAINTS..MORE VOCAL PLAYERS ON OFFENSE...
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 03, 2011 at 07:17 PM
No late night press conference with Ross? I was hoping something would leak out of the clubhouse by now (mtn time). Guess news of their meeting to wait hasta manana.
Posted by: DolfanNM | January 03, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Think keeping Ireland & Sparano is the only logical choice
and trade up the whole boat if needed and get 6.6 250 lb running/throwing QB Cam Newton
for the Love of God , Man
Cam Newton is a lil bigger than Jason Taylor and a QB
thats as tall as Joe Flacco
Who in fact is the tallest QB in the NFL
Go Phins!
... Just Saying
Posted by: Home | January 03, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Get Cam Newton!
Get Cam Newton!
Get Cam Newton!
Go Phins!
Posted by: Home | January 03, 2011 at 07:22 PM
I think it's time to draft offense which is what i wanted done last year.
But we needed Defense is all i heard now look we need offense how amusing.
Face the facts this team was literally pure garbage when sparano took over, and only a FOOL would believe this team in 3 years was a playoff contender. This team needs 2 MORE DRAFTS PERIOD before we can even dare talk about playoffs or super bowls.
With an impending lockout as well expect SPARANO back next year if he's not I give up on this team they are content with the fascination of you can simply build a winner year in and year out by simply changing coaching staffs every 3 years brilliance at it finest.
Posted by: Dishpan | January 03, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Ok les amis américains ma, je dois vous offre tout un au revoir, je dois aller quelques champagne avec mon mari, Gregory. et manger des crêpes aux fraises
Posted by: Pierre la grenouille française | January 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM
but right now,
today
The Dolphins Suck
Period
Posted by: Home | January 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM
WHY NOT TRADE MARSHALL..HENNE..SEAN SMITH..AND ALL THERE DRAFT PICKS TO CAROLINA FOR THE FIRST PICK!
Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | January 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Great insight.
Posted by: Hayden Fox | January 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM
IF IRELAND WENT TO THAT MEETING AND IN HIS HANDS A PLAN FOR SURE TO DRAFT A NEWTON OR LOCKE OR MALLET OR LUKE SOME HOW ,NO FIRING .
Posted by: ALoco | January 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM