Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is totally safe as of this moment. Tony Sparano is not.
I am reporting the Dolphins plan to let Ireland continue in his job with the team beyond this season. The plan is also to fire Sparano, although the team is adamant no final decision has been made on this front.
I know this as fact. Period.
So what's news here?
The Ireland stuff.
I already wrote in my column Sunday that Sparano was in grave danger of losing his job even if he won the final four games of the year. Sparano's team has since lost a 26-10 decision to the Philadelphia Eagles and so he will will not win out, which logically signals his end. A source has confirmed for me that end is now certain although the timing is still unclear.
Ireland is another story. He stays, barring some unexpected circumstance, regardless of who the new coach is or is not. It is as solid as something of this matter can be in the NFL. Ireland stays for 2012.
Owner Stephen Ross is convinced the Dolphins are a team that is underachieving despite considerable talent. Yes, Ross believes the roster needs some upgrading. But he also thinks Ireland, who has full control of the personnel department since October 2010, can do the job. (Bill Parcells was in charge of personnel from Jan. 2008 to October 2010.)
So Ireland stays once this season is over. And Tony Sparano does not.
Discuss ...
Tozu,
Ross knew Harbaugh was the right guy to go after so lets give him the benefit of the doubt.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 10:33 PM
The same Harbaugh who's 49ers have just lost 2 in row. His qb was sacked 9 times last week. % times today and his vaunted defense yeilded 282yds and 3 passing td's to Cardinal backup qb John Skelton.
Is that the same Harbaugh you.re talking about? The one the league is now seeming to catch up too?
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM
5 times today
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 10:45 PM
The Niners just won their first division title in a decade but Harbaugh is suddenly a bad coach because of two losses??
Jesus Christ. Thank God you aren't running a team. You'd wash through a dozen coaches every year
Posted by: dave561 | December 11, 2011 at 10:46 PM
dave561,
9-7 won the nfc west last year. Good thing you dont run a history department! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Is that the same Harbaugh you.re talking about?
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Yes fool, that is the one. The one that has his team 10-3. The one who has clinched his division with 3 games still left. The one with the second best record in the NFL. That is the one indeed.
What a moron. I guess only undefeated is acceptable to you.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 10:48 PM
I forgot to add that I also hope the bloody, severed heads of a hundred cats are left on your doorsteps.
Amen.
Posted by: Pastor Edward Heathcoate | December 11, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Mangini
I'm calling it now. It will be a classic Ireland move and Mangini will keep the coordinators.
Posted by: Vin | December 11, 2011 at 10:49 PM
It was only a matter of time before other teams caught up with Harbaugh's sluggish ball control style. Getting harbaugh would have been more of the same old Parcells blueprint.
It catches you off guard at first, but it doesnt take too long to catch up too. 49ers will be one and done in the playoffs. Then everything will be downhill after that.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 10:51 PM
What the hell does LAST YEAR have to do with the Niners currently being 10-3 and already clinching the division??
Posted by: dave561 | December 11, 2011 at 10:52 PM
You are talking fantasy speculation based on nothing.
I am talking results.
You have no argument. Ridiculous. 10-3 and you are criticizing? You need to go stroke something.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Pastor E IS the Empress!
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 10:53 PM
Yeah, Harbaugh has done a TERRIBLE job. I'm sure Niners fans are cursing his name as we speak and hoping he is fired immediately.
Jesus, what a maroon you are.
Posted by: dave561 | December 11, 2011 at 10:54 PM
You may find at most two SB winners that didn't put up some bad games during the season. YOu don't write a team off after a bad game or two when they are 10-3 and clinched their division.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Why would Mangini come here!
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 10:55 PM
A few more acorns, a few more Dallas waiver wire claims, and WE ARE THERE! Super Bowl, baby!
Re-sign Chad Henne.
Hope to give up 2 first rounders for Peyton Manning. (maybe we could steal him for a first and two seconds) Hey, getting Culpepper worked out well, didn't it? Nothing like signing a banged up veteran QB for a BIG COMEBACK.
Rest easy, the plan is in place, and we have a master at the helm.
Posted by: Ireland's IQ | December 11, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Tozu,
Yes fool, that is the one. The one that has his team 10-3. The one who has clinched his division with 3 games still left. The one with the second best record in the NFL. That is the one indeed.
What a moron. I guess only undefeated is acceptable to you.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 10:48 PM
The 49ers have the Steelers, Seahawks, and Rams coming up. So they'll finish 12-4.
Problem is, they'll probably be the weakest 12-4 team in nfl history. They'll be one and playoff done. Bet on it!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Oh, yeah, one more thing. I also fervently pray to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that a rotting goat corpse is left on your roof, leaking blood and slimy bodily fluids down the walls of your home.
Amen.
Posted by: Pastor Edward Heathcoate | December 11, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Tozu don't waste your time with YG-DB. He is the king flip flopper on this blog. Only 3 months ago he loved Ireland and hated Sparano, today he loves Sparano and hates Ireland.
Read the blogs, he thinks Sparano will be the highest rated coach available in 2012. 4-9, 3 losing seasons in a row, and he thinks the guy is a prize. He is whacked.
Tomorrow he will praise Harbaugh.
Posted by: LOL | December 11, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Harbaugh inherited far more talent than Sparano. Still Sparano was 11-5 and afc east champs his first year. In a far more challenging division I might add.
9-7 won the afc west last year. Dont let the green grass fool you fools!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:00 PM
Hey bet on this...you won't find a single pundit, critic, expert anywhere critical of Harbaugh who may very well be coach of the year. You can guess the playoff outcome all you want, but you can not criticize 10-3 and second best record in the league.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Yeah, and Sparano was the proud owner of the longest losing streak dating back to last year. The guy is inept. You have no argument. You can discuss this with yourself now.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 11:03 PM
LOL,
Harbaugh's a terrific hc! Flip flop enough for you?
PSYCHE! Im talking about the Harbaugh in Baltimore fool! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Tozu,
We'll see! Harbaugh only has a glorified Matt Moore in qb Alex Smith. We will see fool! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:05 PM
I suppose the Packers should bench Rodgers because he overthrew a receiver. Let's fire any coach that loses a game, they are figured out. I see at least 31 HC openings next season.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Tozu,
While we're at it:
WASNT TABU THAT YOUR TWIN BROTHER THAT PLAYED ON THE OLD "FANTASY ISLAND"?
BOSS, BOSS, THE PLANE. THE PLANE! LOL
At least now we know "FANTASY" runs in the family! LOL The Plane, the plane!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:10 PM
ROTFLMAO! Tozu, Tabu's twin brother is here blogging with us.
BOSS... BOSS... THE PLANE, THE PLANE! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Ok, now I get it. It's all clear. I'm debating a child. Did you play hopscotch today? Maybe you have a little red boat to play with in the bath tub?
Maybe you are right, 10-3 sucks. Any team that loses a game is figured out. Even though we both know you'd be sucking both your thumbs and your neighbors wang to be 10-3 right now.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 11:14 PM
The 49rs have done a GREAT job this year! I liked mike singletary from his Chicago days
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Weird, the guy suddenly goes off into 8 year old mode. Have fun little boy. Go play with your toy now.
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 11:16 PM
but this team is basically unchanged from last year, so kudos to Harbaugh!
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 11:16 PM
I certainly didn't need any more evidence that Ross is an idiot without a clue but that's what this is.
This is the same guy who two years ago asked Dez Bryant's mom was a prostitute and last year passed on Andy Dalton because he has red hair.
In what universe does a guy conclude that someone else with the same hair color he has wouldn't be effective in the position he's looking to fill yet he thinks he can be effective, I can only assume, in spite of it?
The Miami Dolphins folks, the embarrassment isn't limited to just the playing field.
Awesome.
Posted by: T. Martin | December 11, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Got cut off, my wife must be here!
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Tozu,
I am 10-3 right now. 10 inches long, 3 inches thick. Ask your girfriend! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Tozu,
You would probably suck my 10-3 to be 10-3 right now. But Im not gonna let ya! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:20 PM
***** WE HAVE A WINNER *****
THE BIGGEST IMMATURE A-HOLE ON THE BLOG IS NONE OTHER THAN YESTERDAYS GONE DYING BREED!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LOL | December 11, 2011 at 11:23 PM
Hey Breed
Tell us again how Sparano is the hottest coach on the market. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LOL | December 11, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Hey Breed
Help us with the math 4-9 is good and 10-3 is bad? Ok. Got it. LOL!
Posted by: LOL | December 11, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Hey Breed
Long gave up a sack. He is now figured out! Lets trade him for a #6 while we can still get something for him! LOL!
Posted by: LOL | December 11, 2011 at 11:27 PM
I think I am starting to like the blog better now ;)
Posted by: Tozu | December 11, 2011 at 11:31 PM
YG/AKA/DB
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 11:33 PM
YG, I still like you!
Posted by: redsky | December 11, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Dumbest Thing Posted Today.
We lost again, Ross should sell the team!
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
ROTFLMAO!!!!
DoucheBags act like Ross is gonna suit up and play or something-ROTFLMAO!
Posted by: odinseye | December 11, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Where's all the FVCKING geniuses that said Left Tackles don't make any game changing plays?
Nevermind, I see their all busy trying to get Armando to delete all their old posts about why we should sign Brady Quinn!
Dooh-ROTFLMAO!
Posted by: odinseye | December 11, 2011 at 11:38 PM
I believe in what Devilsadvocate has to offer. Ross WILL hire Mangini as the next head coach because: 1) He won't push the issue to get rid of Ireland, 2) He will come cheaper than any big name 3) He has already worked with Dabol and 4) Ross already loves him! Mark my words...he will be the next head coach.
Posted by: Dolfan256 | December 11, 2011 at 11:39 PM
LOL,
4-9 SOUNDS LIKE YOUR BODY BUILD COUCH POTATO. 4 FEET TALL 9 FEET WIDE.
DO YOU HAVE TURN SIGNALS ON YOUR HEINY AND A BUZZER THAT GOES BEEP BEEP BEEP WHEN YOU BACKUP? LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:44 PM
DALLAS COWBOYS LOOK LIKE A ONLY SLIGHTLY BETTER VERSION OF THE MIAMI DOLPHING. EERY HOW THIER FATES SEEM SO SLIGHTLY SIMILAR.
HMMM...................................
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:47 PM
Armando quotes some anonymous source and this proves Ross is Clueless?
Really?
REALLY?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......................
Posted by: odinseye | December 11, 2011 at 11:49 PM
PAYTON AND BELLICHICK THE ONLY THING FROM THE PARCELLS TREE WORTH A CRAP. THATS BECAUSE PAYTON DOESNT USE THE MODEL AND BELLICHICK'S HIGHLY FLEXIBLE!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:50 PM
COWBOYS/PARCELLS LOSE AGAIN!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:54 PM
WHY MY PEPE HURT?
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | December 11, 2011 at 11:55 PM
A week ago YG sucking harryballs
This week harryballs not taste so good
Zippity do da Flip ti yi yeah. My oh my I flip floppy today
Posted by: harbaugh | December 11, 2011 at 11:56 PM
YG say Sparano haottest coach on market. get colts job next year and get superbowl
YG also say harbaugh worst coach because niners clinched division 10-3 probably finish only 12-4
Sparano great 4-9, Harbaugh sucky at 10-3.
Me say YG sniffy sniffy to much. To much sniffy sniffy cause brain damage lol
Posted by: harbaugh | December 12, 2011 at 12:02 AM
YG, UR peepee hurts cause you've been playing with it too much!
Posted by: redsky | December 12, 2011 at 12:02 AM
Alright, I can see this place has come totally unglued(standard routine when fins lose).
Posted by: odinseye | December 12, 2011 at 12:04 AM
Tabu my a z z
my name is Tatoo get it right or i will bite off your knee caps dum sheet
Posted by: I'll Tatoo You | December 12, 2011 at 12:09 AM
Hey fishphucks! Looks like you still suck balls. Looks like you will continue to suck balls. Maybe your inbred owner likes the cut of Ireland's jib.
Way to win a few games and blow any chance of a qb. You guys are even losers at losing. Was at game today. The 6 or 7k Eagles fans made more noise than I've ever heard from a full contingent of fishphucks.
Disgrace. Hey at least you don't have to worry about having any players on your team with dirty ho mothers. Ireland is very thorough in that regard.
Posted by: TorturedDolphan | December 12, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Tortured,
The Phins suck at losing and you just plain suck.
Btw, speaking of liking the "Cut of a Jib", how's your facial Herpes treating you lately?
Posted by: odinseye | December 12, 2011 at 12:17 AM
So wait, your story says that Ross will keep Ireland because he has done a good job of selecting players, etc,,,, and then you rightly state that Long's injury shows a one man operation, so, mmmm, ireland is a genius by selecting others to step in when needed, NOT...Ireland needs to go to.... A clean sweep...
Posted by: Frank | December 12, 2011 at 12:17 AM
Mr.Odinseye--
You left your Preparation H and Metamucil in our office today. You also left fecal stains on our couch.
It is understandable that a man of your advanced age will have some "issues" but we must insist that you wear adult diapers or some other absorbent article on your next visit.
Posted by: Geriatric Services | December 12, 2011 at 12:19 AM
What is the basis for Ross thinking we have great talent on the team?
We have Jake Long, Brandon Marshall, a promising rookie in Pouncey...and.....and....and...what great talent?
Posted by: FistPumps ForFieldGoals | December 12, 2011 at 12:20 AM