ORCHARD PARK, NY -- During yesterday's Dolphins victory in this hazy, cold town, I conducted an unscientific survey of my twitter followers (please follow me, if you aren't already).
I asked if people have confidence in owner Stephen Ross making a good head coach hire. It's a yes or no question. I also asked if people people have confidence general manager Jeff Ireland will make the right call on finding the Dolphins a franchise-caliber quarterback this offseason, another yes or no question.
Neither fared well. And, believe it or not, Ross fared better than Ireland.
Within the span of 30 minutes, 46 people answered "no," to the question Ross would get it right on the coach hire. Thirteen (13) peope said "yes," he would get it right. One person answered, "Hell no!" that Ross would not get it right. So not much confidence in Ross.
It was worse for Ireland.
Forty-one people said no, they have no confidence in Ireland getting the QB pick right. Eight said, "yes," Ireland would get the QB issue right. And five people said, "Hell no!" Ireland has no chance of getting it right.
So 49 of 54 respondents have zero confidence in Ireland.
I told Ireland after the game that folks simply don't have much confidence in him. He was somewhat surprised, asking me what people? Fans, I answered.
I tried to convince Ireland to speak to me, and thus to you, after the game. He declined. But I wrote about him and his situation in today's Miami Herald nonetheless.
Simply, Ireland is in a no-win situation right now. Most folks don't dig him too much. And, as I wrote, it doesn't seem to matter to those folks that Ireland picked Matt Moore and he's worked out. It doesn't matter that Ireland picked Reggie Bush and tha he has also worked out.
But, as I wrote in my column, the guy whose opinion of Ireland really matters is Ross. And I tell you in the column what Ross thinks of his GM. I also tell you what Ireland's exact role in the looming coach search is and how far along that search currently stands. I also tell you about the caveat that might get Ireland fired despite Ross claims that he is safe for 2012.
I have news for you on what the Dolphins think of their chances to get Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden. And I tell you why I believe Jeff Fisher is today -- even without an interview -- the leading candidate to get the Dolphins job. I also tell you who will lead the coach search -- no, not Ireland.
Please read the column.
But I must warn you if you are anti-Ireland: The column makes the point that however you feel about him now, you will definitely change your mind if the Dolphins get the right quarterback in the offseason. It is what it is. You folks are fans. And fans are a fickle what-have-you-done for me lately bunch.
Ireland gets the QB call right as a GM, he is going to be in a win-win situation for a long time.
Craig M...I am trying to have an open mind about Ireland. Obviously my opinion has no affect on his future here. So what I say means nothing except for the good of the debate.
You make good points. There are a lot of examples of games we should have won. I don't remember too many games if any that we won where defeat was in the balance. Both scenarios have little to do with Ireland except that those games that slipped away have probably added up to an overall sense of Ireland being a failure.. True if we would have won those games. Ireland would be seen in a better light.
But we didn't. And we are in a spot, or Ireland is in a spot where he has a lot to prove. He has an opportunity to right the ship. Armando said he will have nothing to do with the hire. Well maybe directly that is true. But indirectly he has a huge affect on the next coach. He has to be able to work hand and hand with the next guy or we will find oursleves in the same spot down the road.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | December 19, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Fin4, DD, I start convulsing when I think of Tuna!
Posted by: redsky | December 19, 2011 at 07:30 PM
IAM GONNA WATCH M.I.L.F ISLAND(NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH OPRAHS APE ISLAND, HOME OF APE CITY DONKYS) IT START AT 9, YOU ALL HAVE A GOOD NIGHT, YOU TO FLIPER, GOOD LUCK ON FLIP-FLOPING TYONIGHT
(BUFFET OF M.ILF ISLAND)
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Aloco, Ape City "DONKEY'S" I thought they were Ape City Monkeys., Why the name Change?
Posted by: FP4FGs. | December 19, 2011 at 07:36 PM
If you're not disgusted with the current state of Our team,YOU ARE NOT A Miami DOLPHINS Fan!
Since some of the most vocal commentators here suffer from selective amnesia,allow me a few senteces to ramble.
Matt Moore is not a starting qb.Even if Ireland brought him on board.HE IS THE BACK UP TO THE EVENTUAL STARTER,REPLACING THE INEPTNESS OF Chad Henne.
I haven't read Salguero's column and will not.I thought you were a fan Armando.Just cashing a check,I get that.So as far Jeff staying on gm,We FOLKS are the fan. I decide how to spend my money,just like I did this season.By boycotting Directv's Sunday Package.Not attending games.Or not buying merchandise.
Because I'm NOT a fickled Dolphan.I KNOW THE MIAMI DOLPHINS HAVEN'T-DONE-ANYTHING-IN-A-LONG ASS-TIME!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 07:38 PM
FGFPs, MONKYS FLING THERE POO AT PEOPLE, NO ONE WANTED TO ATTEND GAMES SO THEY CHANGE NAME TO DONKYS.
(BUFFET OF KNOWLEDGE)
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Redsky..whats up? I fished on the Yellowstone this afternoon...Got the donut.Nada!
Fin4life..Parcells definitley turned into a diva. His reputation may have been larger then the success the orginiaztions that put their trust in him achieved..
It seemed like the second he had a problem with ownership, he jumped ship. Maybe his ego became so big that he became omnipotent..I mean who are these owners, what do they I know? I'm the great Parcells.
This said. He did have a blueprint. It was a good one for awhile. I hope that we find someone with a plan, and everyone gets in lock step with it. His may have been the wrong one for this team, for the NFL now. But lets find a system, lets find an identity, and a leader that can execute this. Anything less will be a failure.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | December 19, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Spida is correct. Moore must prove himself against a good defense. Because I was at the Philly game, he didnt look like the answer. Our o line only plays good against bad defenses ( which is Irelands fault) , then people here get cocky. Moore is good but his accuracy is no where near a RG3. ( aka the Baylor bomber).
Posted by: Fake tough guy | December 19, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Is it me or is Aloco on a whole different plane of existance?LMAO At Aloco, You the Comic relief for this blog.
Posted by: FP4FGs, | December 19, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Darryl, even if you didn't hook anything, fishing the Yellowstone is always marvelous!
Posted by: redsky | December 19, 2011 at 08:13 PM
ALOCO WEARS WHITE ROBES AND IS A DISCIPLE OF JESUS!!!! BUFFET OF KNOWLEDGE!
Posted by: redsky | December 19, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Gents,
Every new HC has to deal with the GM in place when he takes over.
It's going to happen in Miami, JAX, KC and probably 3 other teams by the time the season is over.
Why is Miami any different from any other city?
Stop with the egos, Miami has a GM who, whether you like it or not...will be shopping for the "groceries" next season.
25% of the players will be free agents next year.
Ireland has a scout team in place that understands what he is looking for in the way of talent and skills.
Give Ireland a chance to shine on his own...outside the shadow of Parcels, Henning & Sparano.
I am open-minded and willing to give him a full season to show us the goods.
If we are 5-9 this time next year....show him the door.
Posted by: NHFINSFAN | December 19, 2011 at 08:17 PM
Where on earth did Ross say he was going to hand pick the next HC? Ross knows nothing about personnel, much less Coaches. If I recall correctly in that presser, Ross said Ireland would be in charge of personnel. Period.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Picking a HC is just like picking the President.
...you check references!
Ask anyone who ever worked with Gingrich and they'll tell you he is a complete A-hole and is not qualified to run this country.
...same thing with a coveted job of HC of an NFL team. Just ask around and you'll find out if the candidate your seeking is worthy of hiring, or not. You don't need Ireland's input.
Posted by: NHFINSFAN | December 19, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Transformer out at Candlestick...MNF delayed due to power outage.
Posted by: NHFINSFAN | December 19, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Armando must be very sure of his position as columnist at TMH as he's playing a dangerous game with his writings.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Who gives a rats ass about Salguero's high wire act? He just cashes checks.Si I get that!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 08:42 PM
Fire Ireland now !!!! Ross needs to spend money on football and not the glamor.
Posted by: Jimmy Tyson | December 19, 2011 at 08:45 PM
OSCAR,WHY YOU HATE ARMANDO, HE REFUGE FROM PERU,WENT THROUGH 6TH GRADE AND GOT JOB AT HEARELD DELIVERING PAPER, AND MADE HIS WHY TO A SPORT HACK FOR HARELD, IT THE AMERICAN SUCESS STORY.
(BUFFET OF BIOGRAPHY)
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Then deport him for treason.
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 08:48 PM
OSCAR MAD CAUSE HE 124 YEAR OLD SHUT IN LIVING WITH FLIPER BREED,CUBEN, AND DC IN TRAILER WITH 21 CATS THAT POO ALL TIME.
(BUFFET OF REALITY)
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 08:52 PM
ALOCO, HOW BIG IS YOUR IGUANA?
Posted by: redsky | December 19, 2011 at 08:58 PM
So now it's ridicule me time?Who are you Aloco?Armando Salguero's PR puto?
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:01 PM
HE ABOUT A FEET IN A HALF, I ASKED FOR HELP CAUSE GOD ZILL WAS SICK AND ALL I GOT WAS GANG OF DEFEAT JOKES HE BETTER NOW I WASH HIM IN THE SINK BUT HE STILL TRYS TO BITE ME, BUT HE LOOKES BETTER, HE EATS LETTUCE AND HAMBURGER MEAT AND CHEESE, NOT LIKE GOVERMENT CHEESE THAST THE GANG OF DEFEET EATS BUT THE GOOD CHEESE VELVETTA.
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Perhaps you should occupy your time filibustering elsewhere Aloco.My patience with anything Miami Dolphins related is growing thin.
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:08 PM
WHAT DOS FILLERBUSTERING MEAN?
(BUFFET OF QUESTIONS)
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 09:11 PM
OZKAR, DID YOU GRADUATE FROM JUNIOR HIGH?
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Almost.
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:16 PM
SF is a very well coached Team, lacks a Big League QB.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Filibustering means that your rants annoy my hearing!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Did you also see Smith miss on that 3 down play inside the ten yrd line?
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:26 PM
OZKAR IS A BROWN DONKY., OSCAR IS JUST OLD.
(BUFFET OF NUGGETS)
Posted by: ALoco | December 19, 2011 at 09:29 PM
What can Brown do for you lazy american?
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Am I the only one that thinks Gruden looks like Chuckie, the doll in those stupid horror movies?
Posted by: redsky | December 19, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Dude, We've KNOWN that!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Your as- is also, Brown.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Did you also know that jimmy johnson and Dan Marino were on the cover of SI titled "The Sunshine Boys".
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:35 PM
hey oscar, Are you talking to ME?
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Picking a HC is just like picking the President. ...you check references! Ask anyone who ever worked with Gingrich and they'll tell you he is a complete A-hole and is not qualified to run this country. ...same thing with a coveted job of HC of an NFL team. Just ask around and you'll find out if the candidate your seeking is worthy of hiring, or not. You don't need Ireland's input. Posted by: NHFINSFAN | December 19, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Agreed - add Obama the useless to that list of incompetents.
Posted by: NHPHINSPHAN | December 19, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Am I the only one that thinks Gruden looks like Chuckie, the doll in those dopey horror movies?
Posted by: redsky | December 19, 2011 at 09:37 PM
There was a cover on S.I. That had Danny And bernie Kosar on it, I was Titled "Pair Of Aces"
Posted by: FP4FGs. | December 19, 2011 at 09:37 PM
redsky skip the article.The Miami Dolphins first flirtation with a retread.
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Yeah FP4FGs!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Everybody's as- is, Brown.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Bodog.Com Says its 3 To 1 That Eric Mangina will be next HC, I hope not, Your Thoughts guys?
Posted by: FP4FGs. | December 19, 2011 at 09:41 PM
I also hope not.Why is Eric more deserving that a collegiate coach?Plus all he has done is demonstrate that he will also lead a team to mediocrity!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:47 PM
Can We please STOP with the nepotism.Mangini is a parcels' crony!
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:49 PM
ARE YOU TALKING TO ME o s c a r?
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Boo - say no to Eric's Mangina.
Posted by: NHFLIMFLAM | December 19, 2011 at 09:51 PM
No he i talking to me.
Posted by: oxckar | December 19, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Aloco might have something with Butch Davis, Id rather see him coaching then Mangina.Forget Gruden and Cowher, There both firmly seated in There respected place, Dont see either one of them leaving for coaching.JMHO.
Posted by: FP4FGs. | December 19, 2011 at 09:54 PM
No Jon Gruesome and no Bill Coward.
No Mangina.
Posted by: oxckar | December 19, 2011 at 09:56 PM
no, ozcar. alOCO.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 09:56 PM
It's clear Big Ben is not 100%, can't plant his feet well.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 09:58 PM
That'S right NO GRUESOME COWARD MANGINI! I love me some bush though,sorry, Butch Davis.
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 09:58 PM
Wouldn't be great if We were fans of a NFL franchise on MNF.With the flex sch. in late Dec. they now allow.On Monday Nite nonetheless.Talk about emotions and passion.
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Ross want some Mangina.
Posted by: oxckar | December 19, 2011 at 10:13 PM
That's some kind of athletic, disciplined D SF has. Scary, and without Patrick Willis.
Posted by: oscar canosa | December 19, 2011 at 10:14 PM
OZkar I think the Flex Schedule is for the sunday night games, I might be wrong though.
Posted by: FP4FGs. | December 19, 2011 at 10:15 PM
What was better for Harbaugh? The 49ers or The Dolphins?
Posted by: ozkar | December 19, 2011 at 10:17 PM