Stephen Ross is done working in New York for the week. His job as a Big Apple real estate mogul is done. His job as the Dolphins owner who has spent the past four days interviewing potential head coach candidates is also mostly done.
Time to come home.
Time to name a coach.
Ross will board his private jet at around 8 a.m. this morning and head to South Florida, where he'll arrive around 11 a.m. He is expected to have with him a decision or near-decision on Miami's next coach when he returns. It's unclear if the new Dolphins' coach will be riding with him from New York, where the interviews were conducted.
Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is considered the leading candidate -- at least that's what he considered himself, as I reported two days ago. Unconfirmed reports, based on dubious tweets from CBS 4 in Denver and the assistant director of communications for the Mountain West Conference, say it's McCoy. I'm trying to confirm through, you know, legitimate means.
Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and Miami interim coach Todd Bowles are also candidates.
[UPDATE: NFL Insider Danny More said on the Armando and Perk radio show this morning that Philbin has been eliminated as a candidate. He also reported McCoy returned to Denver following his interview with the Dolphins. That would suggest McCoy won't be on the plane with Ross when he lands.]
[UPDATE 2: A source close to Philbin tells me the Green Bay offensive coordinator has not been told one way or another what his status with the Dolphins is. Sheesh!]
[UPDATE 3: The Mountain West communications director says he has no inside information on McCoy.]
[UPDATE 4: The Dolphins contingent landed in Fort. Lauderdale. McCoy indeed was not on the plane as More said. Neither were any of the other two coaching candidates. GM Jeff Ireland and senior vice president for football operations Dawn Aponte got off the plane and returned to the team's facility. Aponte's role on the trip would obviously be one of budget and contract negotiation.]
[UPDATE 5: A Bowles family source tells me the interim coach has not been told one way or another what his status with the Dolphins is at this time.]
Delrio signed with Fins when JJ was here as a player, then he retired during camp. I love Del rio as DC or Asst Coach
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 01:07 PM
Darryl, No offense taken.
I don't care what kind of offense we have, as long as it wins. I spoke in general about what people on this blog want and why they are bashing McCoy already. I for one will give the guy a chance because... well, I would have no choice if he was hired, and because he has not failed yet.
However, with a new coach comes familiar pieces. There are few pieces on a Denver O, I would want here in Miami, but some pieces in Green Bay I would love to have. That is why Philbin would have been my choice. the QB coach would follow, and I will contest with that QB coach... yes... wait for it...
Henne or a guy like him could be great throwing the ball over 35 times. It is all about a system in my opinion. Pleae ignore the Henne part of that comment as I would like to keep letting that topic sleep. :)
Hope that helps clear that up.
Posted by: Poizen | January 20, 2012 at 01:07 PM
nolan tried to get out of his contract when ireland went behind sparano's back. nolan and sparano were hit by the sniper within. penne and crowder also have said ireland is not to be trusted. a 2nd tier coach without power is what ireland wanted to maintain his position.
Posted by: greg z, | January 20, 2012 at 01:09 PM
Any wagers on how long this thing will play out now?
Posted by: finfaneurope | January 20, 2012 at 01:09 PM
dolphins: we will hire whatever 2nd tier candidate gives us the "best interview" (and doesnt ask for input/veto on personell decisions).
Posted by: greg z, | January 20, 2012 at 01:14 PM
The Dolphins are in decent (but not great) shape with the cap. There will be an interesting dynamic in Miami to keep an eye on this offseason. Usually when a new coach comes in, there is huge turnover in the coach's first season. But that probably won't happen with general manager Jeff Ireland still in charge of the 53-man roster. Ireland is not going to cut many of the players he helped bring to Miami. But the Dolphins would have to do something if they want to make enough room to make a splash for a big free agent. Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is a good example.
Posted by: Ohio Dolfan | January 20, 2012 at 01:15 PM
Who cares about the Dolphins anymore?
Posted by: LETS GO HEAT | January 20, 2012 at 01:19 PM
DD,
Great post at 12:34pm. The reality of the situation is that none of us know what McCoy is or can be as a HC. This is the risk you take with a first time head coach. This is what guys wanted....so be it. I would have much preferred going with a guy with a proven track record. To me that gives you more of a chance on being right on a guy. By all accounts McCoy is a pretty guy....check. Guys wanted an offensive coach...check. Guys wanted someone younger....check. The rest is all unknown.
Never thought about Del Rio as DC. That would be a decent hire. I had just assumed Bowles would be the DC. I just want this team to get better...I really couldn't care less who the HC is. But whoever it is, let's at least give the guy a chance before everyone dumps all over him.
Posted by: Craig M | January 20, 2012 at 01:19 PM
Should have said 'pretty bright guy'.....
Posted by: Craig M | January 20, 2012 at 01:20 PM
uh oh we have to shut up now
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 01:23 PM
The reason Ross doesn't fire Ireland is because they have a joint business set-up. Blog about that Armando! Expose that underperforming GM!
Posted by: FIU on the rise | January 20, 2012 at 01:28 PM
STFU!
Posted by: Lecture in Progress | January 20, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Or you could just go on complaining for the sake of complaining....
Posted by: Craig M | January 20, 2012 at 01:33 PM
Mccoy, Phillbin, Bowles etc doesnt matter who's the coach. Until we find a QB who can compete with the better QB's of the league or surround the team with lots of talent in other areas like the Ravens and 49ers have well be stuck in mediocracy forever..
Posted by: Spiderman | January 20, 2012 at 01:33 PM
Do you guys think it is a possibility that Ross feel comfortable with any of the candidates and is searching to see if there are any other options available?
Posted by: dolphin fan in georgia | January 20, 2012 at 01:35 PM
Well guys hope your enjoying the weather down there LOL. It's a winter storm up here in Chicago. Everyone drink some quality liquor for me on the beach LOL I sure wish I was down there right now.
But back to football matters, so any ideas who the coordinators might be if we go with McCoy who appears to be the guy?
Have a good one guys will check in periodically.
Posted by: dishpan | January 20, 2012 at 01:38 PM
Sorry,
Do you think Ross doesn't feel comfortable with any of the candidates?
Posted by: dolphin fan in georgia | January 20, 2012 at 01:39 PM
dolphin fan in georgia, that's a good question, I think he's debating Philbin and McCoy personally, so very possible he's not exactly blown away by any of them, but they will give the lip service like they were truly impressed.
Time will tell.
Posted by: dishpan | January 20, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Or you could just go on complaining for the sake of complaining....
Posted by: Craig M | January 20, 2012 at 01:33 PM
didnt you say you were leaving? lying blow hard.
Posted by: what a blow hard | January 20, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Clue -- I pointed out the reasons I am on the McCoy bandwagon in previous posts.
When we started the search for the new HC I was wanting Fisher and my second was Carmichael. With that said I also wanted a coach that wanted to be a Miami Dolphin. I really liked that McCoy turned the Raiders down for an interview to meet once again with Ross.
What has McCoy done -- absolutely nothing for the Dolphins but that is the exact same amount that all the other choices have done for the Dolphins.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | January 20, 2012 at 01:44 PM
dishpan,
Rumors are that Ross like Philbin and Ireland likes McCoy. Who wins out Ross or Ireland?
Posted by: dolphin fan in georgia | January 20, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Like I'm going to lose sleep over this Bull chit decision.
Who really gives a freaking crap about who the next Dolphin HC will be. I mean, there will be NO STAR Head Coach as they promised us all. So with that and all the crap bottom dweller interviews, does it really matter anymore?
I say no. Why, it just doesn't. We will be the same as we have always been. Jeff THE SCOUT is still here and we are what we are.
I without evening knowing who these bozos will choose am predicting this season to be 5 -11 and with a late flag or two, perhaps 7 -10.
The new HC is already IN THE HOLE just looking to fill the positions under him. All his assts, DC, OC, and the rest.
WE SUCKED WITH THE COACH AND WE WILL SUCK WITH THE NEW HC.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 20, 2012 at 01:54 PM
Finally it's all over!!!!
Go to ESPN NEWS bottom line! Press conference 3 pm that the Miami Dolphins will name Todd Bowles their next Head coach.
Posted by: TexasDulphin | January 20, 2012 at 01:54 PM
Wanted to point out to everyone there's football on this weekend. I know Dolphins fans forgot that they actually play games in mid-January (Feb too).
So didn't want anyone to miss out. The Post-Season (for Dolphins fans that's when you get into the Playoffs and keep playing after the Season is over) is STILL GOING!
Your local informative poster.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 20, 2012 at 01:55 PM
Bowles HEAD COACH ESPN NEWS !!!!
Posted by: TexasDulphin | January 20, 2012 at 01:56 PM
TexasDulphin,
LOL!
Posted by: dolphin fan in georgia | January 20, 2012 at 01:57 PM
Texas, lol, what's over? The HC search? That's just the beginning my friend. The beginning of the end of the new coaching staff.
New Dolphins HR policy is to go over exit interviews at the same time as new hire orientation. Kills two birds with one stone. You get a lay of the land and learn what will happen in a few years when you get fired.
Great process!!!!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 20, 2012 at 01:59 PM
dolphin fan in georgia, I will say Ireland wins here only because this is why the owner hires a GM to make these decisions, but if Ross doesn't truly like who his GM presents he does reserve the right to override his authority. (I am going to go with Ireland here, while he's not the fan favorite you have to admit he's brought in some talent that we sorely were lacking before he got here, his only downfall has been he hasn't identified a franchise QB if and when he can do that he'll win over the fanbase.)
But we both know if this organization wants to head back to Elite status, the front office needs to identify their vision going forward and stay the course and don't knee jerk react when things don't go as planned. That's how our Dolphins have ended up in this mess for the last decade or more.
We need the front office on the same page or we will not be winning anytime soon.
Posted by: dishpan | January 20, 2012 at 02:02 PM
I think Ireland gets hooka mommas for Ross. There is no other explanation for his loyalty to a pathetic incompetent weasel.
Posted by: Mark | January 20, 2012 at 02:05 PM
Bowles??? HOW PATHETIC??? LMFAO!!!
Posted by: Mark | January 20, 2012 at 02:08 PM
Dear Mr. Ross,
You misunderstood my communication. I said, "draft the BLACK QUARTERBACK," not hire the black Coach. He was the most credible. Now we have NO CHANCE of only winning 2 games next year. Great, 8-8 again, mid-draft spot, no QB drafted in 2013.
I might be in Hell. If so, this is EXACTLY how I pictured it being.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 20, 2012 at 02:09 PM
Bowles? I'm done with this farce called the Dolphins.
Posted by: TGH | January 20, 2012 at 02:09 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, this shows you Bill Parcells still controls this team. Bowles is a Parcells guy, therefore an Ireland guy. I'm sure Parcells was pulling the strings behind the scenes. Talking up Bowles, telling Ireland and Ross to hire him. So he can keep the same status quo going here.
Isn't that grand?
Posted by: DC Dolfan | January 20, 2012 at 02:11 PM
WOW!
IRELAND BROUGHT IN "SOME" TALENT?
WHOOPIE HELLACIOUS DOO! EVEN A BROKEN CLOCK'S RIGHT TWICE A DAY. IRELAND'S MISSED ON FAR MORE TALENT THAN HE'S BROUGHT IN.
AT THE PRESENT RATE OF IRELAND'S SUCCESS, WE SHOULD BE A WILDCARD PLAYOFF TEAM BY THE YEAR 2030. GET YOUR POP CORN READY!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 20, 2012 at 02:11 PM
**** OBITUARY ****
It is with great sadness that we report that the Miami Dolphins succumbed to their injuries today. Owner Ross and Jeff THE SCOUT Ireland did all they could to prevent this timely death. They searched for a new coach from deep in the Himalaya's to the streets of NYC looking for that STAR. Their search is almost over but it's too late.
The team is dead and the fans are depressed and have left in droves and vow never to purchase a ticket to Sun Life again. The owner Ross understands the horror of it all and will bereave as he ships the Dolphins to the west coast after next season is over.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 20, 2012 at 02:12 PM
McCoy will get a chance.. To me its all about the staff around you.
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:12 PM
WHERE ARE YOU GUYS GETTING THIS BOWLES IS THE NEW HC STUFF? iI HAVENT HEARD OR READ ANYWHERE THE HC DECISION HAS BEEN MADE.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 20, 2012 at 02:13 PM
I have ESPN news on now guys. I don't see any news of Bowles
Posted by: Acorns-R-Us | January 20, 2012 at 02:13 PM
I see nothing on espn.com. Is it really going to be Bowles? If so, there really isn't a whole lot to say. Is there?
Instead of going in a NEW direction, we'll stay in house & continue with a Parcells guy because that's what Ireland is comfy with.
Who knew that 7-9, 7-9 & 6-10 was something worth building on? This orginazation is lost. An utterly impotent franchise. I hope it's not true.
Posted by: SEARCH THIS!!! | January 20, 2012 at 02:14 PM
they are lying
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:14 PM
I believe sean smith's tweet more than some of these bozo's
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:15 PM
LaConforna says McCoy met with Miami for 8hrs yesterday and impressed them to the point that it is just a matter of time before they announce him as the head coach.
Posted by: Professor Lou | January 20, 2012 at 02:16 PM
Is Tony Sparano the only coach in the history of the NFL to turn an 11-5 team into a 6-10 team?
Posted by: Professor Lou | January 20, 2012 at 02:17 PM
If Ross and Ireland decide on Bowles(of course this is all speculative), and if I were Bowles I would tell them both to go screw themselves. You interview the guy mainly to abide by the Roonie rule, and then leave him hanging while you shop the country for a BIG NAME HC, who you could not lure in. Then ran around the country looking for second tier candidates. And now you want to announce him as head coach. If I were Bowles I would resign, show them the finger and walk..
Posted by: finfaneurope | January 20, 2012 at 02:17 PM
Yip I think McCoy, with Delrio would be great!!
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:17 PM
Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?
Posted by: Professor Lou | January 20, 2012 at 02:17 PM
Breaking NEWS**********************************************
Someone may or may not coach the fins
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Or, Miami Dolphins have decided it would be better to let the team coach itself.
Posted by: Professor Lou | January 20, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Wow...this anticipation is so...so...uh...yeah, who am I kidding? Who the hell cares.
Posted by: Whatever, Dolphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:20 PM
Or, Miami Dolphins have decided not to decide.
Posted by: Professor Lou | January 20, 2012 at 02:20 PM
NOT TO SOUND CRUEL, BUT, IF PHILBIN IS MADE HC. LITTLE DOES HE KNOW HE'S ALREADY 13YRS LATE FOR THIS FRANCHISE'S FUNERAL. THAT HAPPENED THE DAY SHULA WAS FORCED OUT.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 20, 2012 at 02:20 PM
I heard that it's going to be Bill Cowher. Unconfirmed sources have pointed that Ross and the scout were meeting with Cowher in NYC. Cowher is there with the CBS crew preparing for the championship coverage and Ross walked in with a body guard and $15M.
Hidden in the bag of money was a pistol and a note. The note said please feel free to use on Jeff anytime you deem necesary. We can dump THE SCOUT into the East River except that his red hair will make it too easy for the FDNY divers to find.
Posted by: NY "G" | January 20, 2012 at 02:20 PM
There (to my knowledge) has been NO ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE HC JOB FOR MIAMI!!! keep your shorts on people..lol
Posted by: finfaneurope | January 20, 2012 at 02:21 PM
i wanna see the press conference.. will Jeffy be there? Chad??
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:21 PM
IRELAND'S BEEN FIRED!! YES!!!!!!!!! FINALLY!!
Posted by: Scotty | January 20, 2012 at 02:21 PM
Shula last coached 17 years ago.
Posted by: mr. correct | January 20, 2012 at 02:22 PM
Hey how did you know I had my shorts off, not sure its doing me any favors in this weather regarding business....
Posted by: ctphins | January 20, 2012 at 02:23 PM
PROFESSOR LOU,
YOU'RE WRONG ABOUT SPARANO. "CHUCKY" TURNED THE SB WINNING TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS INTO A 4-12 TOP 5 DRAFT PICK WINNER. THAT'S FAR WORSE THAN WHAT SPARANO DID HERE.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 20, 2012 at 02:23 PM
I wish we would hire Philbin....he def will put a better staff together.......Mccoy on the other hand is the younger coach and will prob bring in some1 like Jack Del Rio to run our defense (move to a 4-3).......either way id prefer getting philbin then signing FLynn to runt hat west coast style of offense........McCoy would not be a bad hire (Cant judge him on offensive ranks alone)
Posted by: Emilio | January 20, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Where are all you crack pots coming from with this Del Rio dillusion?
Posted by: CaliFin | January 20, 2012 at 02:25 PM