Jeff Fisher has decided to join the St. Louis Rams as their head coach, The Miami Herald has confirmed through various club and NFL sources.
Fisher seemed headed to the Dolphins throughout the day Wednesday but intense negotiations with the Dolphins, particularly club owner Stephen Ross on the power structure of the organization could not be resolved so Fisher opted to go to St. Louis.
According to an NFL source close to Fisher, Ross was not willing to give Fisher power over the entire football operations, including veto power of decisions by general manager Jeff Ireland.
[Update 1: A club source tells me Fisher never requested full authority over the Dolphins. Source says club's understanding was that Fisher and Ireland would work together, agreeing mutually on personnel.]
Obviously, given the contradictory stories coming from the Dolphins and the source who is in the Fisher camp, the two sides were apparently not speaking the same language here. Either that or someone is fibbing.
That leaves the Dolphins, who hoped to lure Fisher to become their coach, scrambling to recover from yet another disappointment following a season filled with disappointments.
Fisher, through representatives, informed the Rams he had picked them to succeed the fired Steve Spagnulo. Fisher is expected to sign a contract by the weekend. Contract details remain sketchy.
Fisher's also informed the Dolphins he would be going to St. Louis and thanked the Dolphins for considering him. Fisher spoke with Ireland directly. The Dolphins interviewed with Fisher last week and were hoping to make him the 10th coach in the franchise's history.
So where does this leave the Dolphins?
The team must quickly rebound and continue a search for a new coach. The club has already interviewed Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Chicago special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
The Dolphins are expected to expand their coach search. Among the candidates are former Texas Tech coach Mike Sherman, current Carolina offensive coodinator Rob Chudzinski, New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
The club contends, through sources, that Fisher's decision is not a blow.
This, of course, is part wishful thinking, part spin meant to protect the club's reputation. The truth is the Dolphins have sunk from a franchise that once could lure practically any candidate -- Jimmy Johnson, Nick Saban, Bill Parcells -- it chased away from other suitors.
In this case, the Dolphins find themselves placing second in a two-team competition to a St. Louis franchise that could be on the move from its current city in the span to three seasons, a club that has been one of the NFL's losingest franchises for nearly a decade.
"Posted by: odinseye | January 13, 2012 at 10:46 PM"
SPOT ON!!!!!
Captured human nature at it's very core.
Would any prideful man (me included) feel as you pointed out?
YOU BETCHA!!
Especially if an essentially better situation was dangled like a golden carrot.
Odin, lets have a friendly bet as to when the Rams move back to LA. I say 2014.
You?
Posted by: IMAWriter wants a Harbaugh as HC | January 13, 2012 at 11:34 PM
WE ARE TALKING THE MIAMI DOLPHINS ,NOT THE PATS ...WE R RENTING THE CELLAR PEOPLE FOR YEARS ...YOU GUYS TALK LIKE WE R IN THE PLAYOFFS EVERY YEAR .......
NO
SHAME
LEFT...........
Posted by: ALoco | January 13, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Yeah, well, I don't trust you, PM.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 13, 2012 at 11:35 PM
PRICE MASTER;;;;;;;;;\
DO YOU HAVE ANY SHAME ?
WHO THE HELL CARE ABOUT YOU .....
Posted by: ALoco | January 13, 2012 at 11:36 PM
I will be reminded of some of these posts when I take my morning crap tomorrow.
Posted by: da plane | January 13, 2012 at 11:36 PM
But you do believe that Henne getting the franchise will be too painful for you to bear, no?
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:37 PM
PriceMaster were you raised in a traveling circus?
Posted by: da plane | January 13, 2012 at 11:39 PM
PRICE MASTER,
WHO THE HELL CARES ABOUT HENNE OR YOU ....WE JUST COME HERE TO HAVE FUN AND LAUGH AT PEOPLE LIKE YOU .......
Posted by: ALoco | January 13, 2012 at 11:39 PM
I've stood up for Henne in here and in person every day.
I never turned my back on him.
When all of you guys say he only threw 15 TD last year I'm the one that said "what did you expect he got pulled 30 times in the red zone for the BACKDOOR wildcat"
When Henne gets franchised it will be one of the top 10 moments of my life.
The rest of you will need to off yourselves and that is where I come in.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:40 PM
Here we go again! The off-season disappointments have begun. What the heck does Ireland have that Ross is enamored with him? Who's the pitcher and who's the catcher? Now no decent head coach and no franchise quaterback. These two bafoons are making this team the ultimate laughing stock of the NFL. When will Ross wake up? I'm really getting tired of the same old s..t year after year.
Posted by: tiredfinfan | January 13, 2012 at 11:40 PM
kris
price
imawhiner
These people do not belong in society. Lets hope they don't have children.
Posted by: da plane | January 13, 2012 at 11:43 PM
And by the way Moore is the one that will be on the Jets next season.
Why?
Because Moore is under contract so he has trade value.
The Jets will be running a ground & pound and that fits Matt Moore well.
And Sparano needs him.
And he's under contract.
And we need draft picks.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:43 PM
DOLPHINS ROAD BACK TO PROSPERITY BEGINS RIGHT ABOUT THE SAME POINT ROSS' ROAD AS DOLPHINS OWNER ENDS!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 13, 2012 at 11:43 PM
I believe you do well never turning your back on Henne, PM.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 13, 2012 at 11:44 PM
PriceMaster, Pat White was better then Henne.
Posted by: Ron Son | January 13, 2012 at 11:44 PM
da plane, obviously YOU CAN'T READ (caps provided for your sake)
I said, he played 14 games (since being drafted, I believe), so how can ANYONE say he's SOLID with such lousy credentials?
His stats are NOT solid, but average.
In the NFL, average, on a good team, puts you on the pine.
Half this team, drafted or selected as FA by Ireland/Parcells would be on the taxi squads of the top 10 NFL teams.
Of course i HOPE Odrick will justify his draft position, but nearly every NFL analyst stated we drafted him too high, something this FO has done consistently, Donald Thomas and Misi being 2 others.
Posted by: IMAWriter wants a Harbaugh as HC | January 13, 2012 at 11:45 PM
YG......... OUR FANS ARE SO DUMB ,THEY SHOULD BE HAPPY THAT MR ROSS DIDN'T OFFER THE MUSTACHE THE HC JOB ........
Posted by: ALoco | January 13, 2012 at 11:45 PM
Fisher picked power over money as I predicted.
Ross can still keep Ireland and get a "name brand" coach as long as he gives him the power to override Ireland's personnel choices. This would require that Ireland be left out of the "search" process. Let Ireland do the grunt work. Let Ireland "interview" for a new job in 2013.
I'd like to see college HC like Chip Kelly that's known for a high scoring offense to be considered in the mix.
GET AN OFFENSIVE MINDED HC! ASK DON SHULA IF HE CAN HELP IN THE SEARCH (OR SOME OTHER FOOTBALL MIND TO SERVE AS HEADHUNTER)???
I'd like to get Griffin but I believe the cost in picks and/or players could be high. It might not be as high to move up to get Blackmon. FINS DON'T HAVE A #1 RECEIVER!Consider using a pick for Weeden who is expected to go in the 4th to 5th round.
Posted by: Swamy | January 13, 2012 at 11:45 PM
Aloco,
I know you don't care about Henne or me.
I'm here to inform you that Henne will be franchised sometime in the next month.
That will make you want to off yourself because it will be too painful for you to bear.
I will assist you with your suicide and I will dump your corpse down the hotel laundry chute so your family can collect the life ins.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:46 PM
PM....... DO YOU HAVE A MOTHER OR YOU JUST SHOWED UP AT THE DOOR ???????
Posted by: ALoco | January 13, 2012 at 11:47 PM
And now some People saying you shouldn't turn your back on Tebow either...
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 13, 2012 at 11:49 PM
kris
price
imawhiner
These people do not belong in society. Lets hope they don't have children.
Posted by: da plane | January 13, 2012 at 11:43 PM
Troll, you are, and troll you'll always be.
You know NOTHING, and we'd all be better off if you went back to your Jets blog.
Posted by: IMAWriter wants a Harbaugh as HC | January 13, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Ron,
That is why you will off yourself when he is franchised.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Not saying Fisher is a top 5 coach as far as wins or getting a team to the SB. But he is fan and media friendly, gets respect from everyone(refs too), and is a good coach. He could’ve worked with Ireland, Ross, Peterson and any other distractions like them. Overall he would’ve settled this franchise down and put them in a good direction.
Posted by: DolphinMike | January 13, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Maybe, DolphinMike, maybe. GN.
Posted by: oscar canosa | January 13, 2012 at 11:53 PM
GUYS,
WHAT'S ALL OF THE FUSS? WE'RE ONLY A COUPLE PLAYERS AWAY FROM BECOMING A .500 WIN-LOSS NON PLAYOFF TEAM.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 13, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Dolphin,
Fisher went to a community that contains a LOT more white people than our community for a lot less money.
That speaks for itself and says what kind of person Fisher is.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Cavemanna you really are a stupid idiot! You don't even know 1/100th of whats with this team. Keep your idiotic comments to yourself! This team has no consistent playmakers and the draft picks over the years have been awful.Thats why we went from 7/9 to 7/9 and now 6/10. Wake up idiot.!!!
Posted by: tiredfinfan | January 13, 2012 at 11:57 PM
JUST TWO MORE PLAYERS AND WE CAN BECOME 8-8. I REALLY HOPE IRELAND DOESNT SCREW THIS NEXT DRAFT UP.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 13, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Personally I'd much rather have Bowles.
Anyone notice who replaced Long end of season at LT? John Jerry.
Under Soprano Jerry was not qualified to play.
Under Bowles he played LT and we won 2/3.
If he can play LT he can play RT.
Duuuh
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:58 PM
"Dolphin,
Fisher went to a community that contains a LOT more white people than our community for a lot less money.
That speaks for itself and says what kind of person Fisher is."
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 13, 2012 at 11:54 PM
That's not worthy of this blog.
Can't we all disagree without the name calling?
Yes, those of us who are actually dolphin fans are pretty down right now, but that doesn't excuse the lack of civility.
I'm somewhat guilty, so I offer an apology.
Posted by: IMAWriter wants a Harbaugh as HC | January 14, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Yesterday's Gone, we need more then 2 more players to be 8-8.
Posted by: Ron Son | January 14, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Stupid phish Phucks.
Posted by: FishPhucks | January 14, 2012 at 12:10 AM
1. 13 YRS SINCE SHULA LEFT
2. NO GREAT QB SINCE #13 MARINO
3. FRIDAY 13TH FISHER TURNS US DOWN
WOW, THE #13 IS BEGINNING TO FIND US VERY UNLUCKY!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:10 AM
Has Ireland been fired yet?
Posted by: TGH | January 14, 2012 at 12:11 AM
Cheer up fishies! You still have that super stud GM
Posted by: FishPhucks | January 14, 2012 at 12:12 AM
ZERO IS OUR LUCKY NUMBER. THAT'S PRETTY MUCH WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE SHULA WAS FORCED OUT!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:13 AM
When Henne gets franchised Miami will break the Jonestown record for mass suicide.
And I will be the chief administrator/assister.
The last thing you will see will be my smiling face and my #7 jersey.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 14, 2012 at 12:14 AM
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:10 AM
------------------
All true, losing Fisher is probably less a problem than the jets getting Tony, and having that loudmouth Rex.
Boy, what a quartet, Rex and Tony, Ross and Ireland.
The Pats (and even the Bills) must be enjoying their brewskis right now.
Posted by: IMAWriter wants a Harbaugh as HC | January 14, 2012 at 12:15 AM
Yesterday,
Have Fins move down to #13 pick and get RB Trent Richardson. Pick up some extra picks.
Trade Reggie Bush for a late 1st round pick and pick the best player available.
Posted by: Swamy | January 14, 2012 at 12:16 AM
LETS FLY A SIGN OVER SUN LIFELESS STADIUM ....."MOVE TO LA"
Posted by: Ron Son | January 14, 2012 at 12:16 AM
Two legs of the Trifecta are gone.
Ross, get rid of the last leg, please.
Posted by: Swamy | January 14, 2012 at 12:18 AM
If the Fins move to LA, the "Dolphins" name should stay in Miami.
Posted by: Swamy | January 14, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Dont they have Dolphins in LA?
Posted by: Ron Son | January 14, 2012 at 12:21 AM
SWAMMY,
FINS MOVE DOWN TO #13 AND DRAFT TRENT RICHARDSON. IT'S ALMOST GUARANTEED RICHARDSON HAS A SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY IN TRAINING CAMP.
AGAIN, THE NUMBER 13 ISNT UNLUCKY, THESE FRICKEN DOLPHINS ARE. THE NUMBER 13'S TAKING THE DOLPHINS TO COURT FOR DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER.
MY MONEY SAYS THE NUMBER 13 WINS!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:21 AM
SWAMMY,
2 LEGS OF THE TRIFECTA MAY BE GONE, BUT ROSS IS HAVING TOO MUCH FUN SUCKING ON THAT "3RD LEG" TO REST HIS JAWS NOW.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:23 AM
Next year the fishies will play in the CFL where they might make the playoffs. Matt Moore would be like the 5th best qb in the league. You can do it!!!!
Posted by: FishPhucks | January 14, 2012 at 12:23 AM
The Rams are moving to LA not Fins.
Ross is going to threaten to move team for lack of attendance and city/state will respond with a new taxpayer funded stadium that Ross and his partners can depreciate.
Every resident of Miami is getting played by Ross and doesn't even know it.
That's why he is a billionaire.
And you are not.
Posted by: PriceMaster | January 14, 2012 at 12:24 AM
ROSS SAYS HE LIKE YOUNG GUYS WITH SOMETHING TO PROVE.
SO DOES JERRY SANDUSKY!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:25 AM
SWAMMY,
I would like to receive your middle leg in my cavernous hole.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:25 AM
LMAO!
Posted by: Ron Son | January 14, 2012 at 12:26 AM
Maybe these clowns will bring Sandusky in for an interview!
Posted by: Ron Son | January 14, 2012 at 12:27 AM
FISHPHUCK,
I THINK YOU GOT IT RIGHT. ROSS ISNT MOVING THE FINS TO LA. HE'S MOVING THEM TO THE CFL.
KEEPING IRELAND AS GM, IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:27 AM
Yooooo Hooooooo
SWAMMY ..........
I have fully lubricated and pre heated. Come on big boy!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:29 AM
Well, we can always do what Joe Robbie did back in 1970.
Forfeit his #1 pick 9which turned out to be the less than famous Bert Jones) and hire away Don Shula for what was then an obscene amount of money.
How much for Bellicheat? 10 million per year, guaranteed 3 years.
John Harbaugh (Ravens) 8 million
OK, I'm kidding here, but the point is, if you're willing to do that for a coach, why not for a player? For those here who say it's the QB that makes the coach 9and I agree, mostly)...
This year and next year's 1st round draft choices, and Long for the Colts #1.
That's actually 3 firsts to the Colts.
And next year there are 3 excellent QB's coming out...Barkley being the #1. The Colts will have OUR #1 to wheel and deal with.
If Manning has any say, he'll beg for it.
Meanwhile, we get (HOPEFULLY) a franchise QB, the Pats age and decline, the Jets implode, the Bills...are the Bills, and in 2013 we're deep in the playoffs, as FA's will WANT to be in Miami.
Posted by: IMAWriter wants a Harbaugh as HC | January 14, 2012 at 12:29 AM
RON SON,
ROSS WOULD NEVER INTERVIEW SANDUSKY. HE'S AFRAID OF THE COMPETITION FOR YOUNG JEFFY BOY.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:29 AM
Yoooooo Hoooooo
SWAMMY darling.
My stink hole awaits your manly manhood.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:31 AM
I believe Marino turned down a excutive postion with the Fins several years ago.
What was it, GM?
Would Marino accept a front office position?
Posted by: Swamy | January 14, 2012 at 12:31 AM
SWAMMY you can work in my front office anytime
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 14, 2012 at 12:32 AM
Yesterday,
ask pricemaster.
Posted by: Swamy | January 14, 2012 at 12:33 AM