What I'm thinking about the Dolphins coach search

Some thoughts on the Dolphins and their search for a coach:

1. They failed to land Jeff Fisher, the top candidate they wanted, and that is now two times that owner Stephen Ross identifies a coach he truly wants and fails to land him.

2. When I texted with a couple of Dolphins sources Friday afternoon after the Fisher news came out, their tone was of legitimate loss. There was a tone of disappointment, even anger in their words. Then I spoke with Ross and he stressed he's not disappointed. He spoke of finding a coach that 'hopefully will be in the hall of fame." So did the Dolphins pivot from their true feelings to spin mode? Of, course they did! They were disappointed, folks. No doubt about it. This failure to land Fisher is as much a loss as either game played again the Patriots during the season. It was a defeat.

3. Speaking of the message and the ability to communicate, I am seriously wondering the Dolphins' ability to do that even in the most intimate and what should be the most transparent venue -- within their walls, behind closed doors, during their sealed interviews. Ross told me in no uncertain terms that when Fisher came for his visit, he explained to the coach that Miami's philosophy is to have the head coach and the general manager work in a collaborative effort. Ross said the coach and GM must have a "partnership" and Fisher and he "had conversations that set forth the parameters of how the organization would be run and Jeff understood those and had no problem with it." But one very highly placed source close to Fisher called this morning and insists Fisher never agreed to anything like that, never indicated he was comfortable with that setup, and "the ultimate proof I'm telling the truth is [Fisher] will be the Rams coach and not the Dolphins."

So was Ross speaking a language Fisher didn't understand or vice versa? Did these folks spend hours together interviewing and when it was all done, they still didn't get what the other wanted or expected?

4. I think these next two paragraphs from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch speak poorly of the Dolphins:

"According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Fisher actually informed Rams owner Stan Kroenke sometime Thursday that he wanted to be the next head coach of the Rams.

"Because the contract hadn't been finalized, the Rams kept things quiet and even planned to continue their interview process. But Miami owner Stephen Ross kept pushing and pushing to land Fisher. Growing impatient, the Dolphins informed the Fisher camp they needed an answer Friday or they were going to move on in their search."

I cannot account for the paragraphs factually although the writer, Jim Thomas, is well-respected in journalism circles and has a reputation as a no-nonsense, solid reporter. So if true, I'm left shaking my head that the Dolphins would not be cool enough to play out the process. It seems dumb to pressure a candidate they're trying to land, and look nervous compared to the cool approach by the Rams. The Rams! The Dolphins made the Rams look laid-back, cool and under control! The Rams!

That doesn't speak well of the Miami approach, especially considering they could have continued on with their interviews with no problems anyway. Makes Miami look dumb.

5. Ross told me the process between Miami and Fisher was "sincere." He volunteered it. I'm glad he's comfortable. But I personally -- nothing to do with the Dolphins or what they're saying -- cannot get past the idea Fisher used Miami a bit. I have no proof of it. But it the possibility lingers for me. 

6. So what now? Ross told me interviews will continue but that coaches they are eyeing are in the playoffs today. Obviously, that includes coaches on the staffs of the 49ers, Packers, Saints, Giants, Patriots, Broncos, Ravens, and Texans. I would hope Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Baltimore defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Saints OL/running game coach Aaron Kromer, Green Bay assistant head coach Winston Moss, and Giants defensive coordintor Perry Fewell all deserve a look.

7. I understood that neither Todd Bowles nor Mike Nolan had much of a chance to be the Dolphins head coach while Jeff Fisher was out there. But he's not out there anymore. The Dolphins should re-think the idea of Bowles, who went 2-1 against three division foes at the end of the season. The Dolphins should consider interviewing Nolan, whose defense recovered from a terrible season-opener against New England to post decent numbers, for the head job. Nolan was head coach in San Francisco and it didn't work out. But to not even get an interview? Really?

Follow Armando Salguero on twitter.

Comments

[tony in miami]

Armando

This guy Fisher used the Dolphins since the beginning(read before Spagnolus was fire)to get what he wants from the Rams, in combination with his agent and agent son,so the fight was lost before start.

Ross made him self a billionare-doing real business with companies, not with drug dealers - so that's mean he is a business man with a Universitary degree, you now said that this guy do not know how to dealing or conduct meeting to hire someone he wants ( he need) ,that he not speak clear and specific on all the possibles regards? On the other side was Peterson a personal friend and a guy with 20 years under his belt, ( his nick name King Carl) dealing Football with all types of agents for 20 years , C'mon men use your common sense, this guy Fisher USED the Dolphins 100 %

[Darryl Dunphy]

..So I'm sure most of you could care less because there is a game on tonight. But if your wives, or girlfriends ,or blow up sheep happen to tune into Miss America tonight. The representative from Montana is from my town(100 people) She actually works for me in the summer.. Pretty cool.

[You Are Tedious]

A tired regurgitation of the old Parcells bromide about "buying the groceries."

Please come up with original material. Thanks.

[Tim in Tampa]

Going out on a limb here but with Zimmer and his past connections with the Dallas Cowboys, I bet he gets the job.

[MJZ]

Sparano has to be laughing!

[Cavemanna]

Darryl,

Until we win Ireland has failed?? Really?
And by winning you mean playoffs? Superbowl?
I think it foolish to expect instant greatness or beat it mentality. His body of work without Parcells I'd take over most GM's in the league over the last two years.

[MaFishFan]

Ross' little d@#k problem cost him the coach that should have been signed, sealed and delivered already: Brian Billick

[NY "G"]

Darryl Dunphy,

She's HOT.. Love her jeans.

[in retrospect]

Rams are looking for a GM, they should go find Randy Mueller.

Posted by: Benny | January 14, 2012 at 02:06 PM

__________________________________________

HAW HA HA!! LOL!! ROTFLMAO!!! OH, MAN!! HAHAHAHA!!! ROFL!!

Actually, it wasn't all that funny.

[NICK M]

Look, I said if Fisher came, we were only a few pieces and a good Head Coach away from the playoffs.
So by saying that, I am at the same time saying Ireland has helped to put a pretty good team together...
That doesn't change, I still feel with a good Head Coach, this team can be nasty...
But I have to admit, I'd prefer not to commit to anything long term with what is out there...
I say take Bowles and allow him to coach the upcoming season, no long term commitment, keep the coordinators as is, and see what you get.

[Reverend Thomas Pepperpot]

I have to do one of those stupid sermons tomorrow but today it's all about the margaritas and thinking about being in a steam room with you masculine gentlemen.

[NY "G"]

You Are Tedious,

No sense reinventing the wheel. Oops, sorry, didn't mean to regurgitate again.

[victor newman]

NOT GREG WILLIAMS..NO BUFFALO LEFTOVERS..

THANK GOD MULARKEY IS NOT IN THE PICTURE..

[Tim in Tampa]

Dolphins play the Rams next year.

Jeff Fisher has a butt-whooping coming!!

[Vicky]

I like to eat my own vomit.

[11crashJenson]

Another canidate that they should be looking at is Marc Trestman HC of Montreal.

He has had NFL experiance and tons of success as a HC in Canada.

He is still relitivly young (56) and may be wanting to prove himself in the NFL.

[TC]

Why wouldn't the Dolphins want an answer? They were spending precious time waiting while other teams had opportunities to land the other candidates. At some point they have to force the issue, they had held out 10 days. I think Fisher not telling them until Friday after knowing on Thurs is disrespectful. He should have known better. To blame all of this on the Dophins and give Fisher the benefit of the doubt about the whole thing is silly.

[Hayden Fox]

Ross IS a liar.

[oscar canosa]

The Chef might want to do many things but it's the Owner of the Restaurant who decides what.

[Darryl Dunphy]

NY "G" She is super cool as well.

Cavemanna..Yes absolutley until we start winning Ireland has failed. How could you see it any other way?

To be fair. I have been consistant about saying that Irelands sample size is to small to properly evaluate his affects on this team. This year is a huge year for him to get the ducks in a row..Especially after getting the backing of the owner. Ross put a ton of trust in Ireland by not budging on Fishers demands to have total control.

Also..Ireland situation reminds me a lot of Chad Hennes...They are both dividing topics. Both have their defenders, both have their detractors. To me, the results on the field speak volumes as to who these guys really are. Both have potential, both have come up short, and both have those who say give them time you will see..There is greatness inside of them. I do not see it. Ireland has the opportunity to prove all of his doubters wrong. Like Henne last year I hope he does. I just don't think he can..we will see

[NY "G"]

I don't understand why fans are pissed off about the Fisher decision.

So what if he used the Dolphins Ross and Jeff THE SCOUT Ireland. It's how things are done in the league. We may or may not like or accept that but it goes on all day long during this time of year and will get even worse after this weekend ends as more prospects are looked at.

It's a fishing game and you need to dangle the most attractive bait otherwise the fish will go bite somewhere else.

If you were going for a new Job and you were a high profile candidates, wouldn't you want the best deal for YOU? Fisher cares about what was best for HIM and his Family.

As for I, I didn't want Fisher anyway so it is what it is.

This organization will hire who THEY deem the best fit. We fans don't have a say and can only vent or walk with our feet. We can show our message by making sure that whenever the Dolphins games are on TV that all the viewers see is Orange which means empty seats.

Otherwise, punt or join the Jets and fist Pump.

[greg z.]

mando isnt a dolphin cheerleader or on the fins payroll. he writes for us; the fans who pay the freight. he holds the regime accountable for us. he sorts thru the "spin" the regime tries to force feed us. ireland/ross are proven goofs and not to be trusted. ask sparano or mike nolan.

[NY "G"]

The Chef might want to do many things but it's the Owner of the Restaurant who decides what.

Posted by: oscar canosa | January 14, 2012 at 02:27 PM

oscar canosa,

100% concur... It's ALSO the Chef who decides if he will cook or go to a restaurant where he has the say.

Hence, the HC decides against the Dolphins due to Ireland and goes to the Rams where he has the power and final say. Correct?

[Darryl Dunphy]

..On the topic of Nolan. I think Armando is wrong about his role in the interview process. The Phins know what they have. If and this is the key here. If they have no plans of offering him the job. Why jerk him around, and put him through the process? Why waste the time?

[ALoco]

GREG Z.........

DID ARMANDO CHEERLEADING FOR JT ?

DID ARMANDO LOVES WRITING ABOUT JT ?

MIKE NOLAN, MY AZZZZZZZZZ,,WITH 0-7 AND 4-17 @ HOME ..........

[Vicky]

I puked into a bowl of Cheerios once and then ate the whole thing.

[ALoco]

DD........ THE UNEDUCATED WRITER AND THE DUMB FANS ARE TALKING MIKE NOLAN AS IF WE R IN THE PLAYOFFS EVERY YEAR SINCE HE WAS HIRED .......''''

THE CELLAR IS OUR (( HOME )) NOW FOR YEARS ......

[Samantha]

Say what you want, but Ross is not playing desperate. If he was desperate, he'd hire Fisher and give him the groceries, the shopping card, and the freaking refrigator. I'm not saying I love Ross, but no one can say he's acting desperate, and I respect that. I respect that he held his ground. If it was about money, I'd say he was cheap, but it's not about the money. Fisher has no right to waltz in here and demand complete operational control. What skills does he have to deserve that? None.

I think we dodged a bullet, if you ask me. Harbough I would have wanted, but not Fisher. We'd do better with a hungry, innovative, energetic guy.

[joshua]

Aloco I think joe would disagree with that.

[oscar canosa]

Who gives a crap? He's not the only Chef.

[Brandon]

Fisher's overall record wasnt all that great. 142-120 to me he was not worth all the money Ross was gonna give him. Mr. Ross said he want a young Don Shula. Well get Chip kelly age 48 with a 34-6 record. Yes thats on college level but he still has more experience running a whole team than some of the coordinators that have never been a HC that we are interviewing. If not just keep Todd Bowles.

[tony in miami]

Mike Zimmer for another interview, as per Jason la Canfora... Hire people from Successful organizations, no more left over from Dallas...
Ross throw out Ireland before too late

[Thraceaean Poseidon]

I am loving this shower with you. Reach around and finish me off.

[Kasey Tiger]

I told he was going to the RAMS, read my comment when Jeff Fisher left the plane article. I don't think he worth the money, however we should stay friend with him to trade us the 2nd overall pick in the draft to get RG3. I would like to have a young hungry coach who has a good reputation.
GO Dolphins!!!

[inFINS]

Armando, you can't straddle the fence without getting splinters in your Johnson. If you believe Fisher used the Dolphins then you have to believe he was lying about not understanding the power structure from the get go. Which means Ross DID communicate this to Fischer effectively.
Please, stop flushing your credibility down the toilet by writing for 15 year old fan boys and maybe try reporting some facts when you have them instead of plucking your opinions from the prevailing wind.

[oscar canosa]

It is an unproven Team against a proven one who is quite hot at this Time. No contest. LV should rake up.

[dusin]

If you think we have the worst ownership look at tampa. And ryan mallet is trash tyler wilson is better than him just watch arkansas play last year

[Blake]

Looks real good for Mike Zimmer as he is set for a second interview. A true smart move.

[oscar canosa]

Listen, Man, just stop throwing innuendos about men. Talk about women, will you?

[bk]

I read that the mystery interview today is either Toub or Zimmer for the 2nd interview. If that was the case why not say it? I have a feeling it is someone else like Marty Schotenhymer (no clue how to spell it). Wouldn't be a bad hire

[Vicky]

One time I puked all over myself and just started scooping it up with my fingers and eating it.

[joshua]

bk - It's spelled Schottenhighmher.

[oscar canosa]

Even if we are 14-2 next year, People here are going to complain. Believe me.

[Get real]

Wish people would cut the phony Sparano love when everyone wanted him gone for the last couple years, you can feel sorry for him all you want but let's not forget he was as much a part of the problem as anyone else, he was a horrible game day coach with misuse of timeouts, kneeling on the ball on the 50 numerous times before the half with plenty of time left, terrible clock mismanagement,little or no halftime adjustments etc etc etc the guy was a boneheaded cheerleader not a head coach

[NY "G"]

Here is my choice for HC/GM

1) Bill Cowher 161–99–1
2) Tony Dungey 139-69
3) Marty schottenheimer 205-139-1
4) Brian Billick 85-67-0

If availiable after the playoffs

Tom Coughlin

[ALoco]

NY G,,,,,,TOM COUGHLIN IS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF TONY THE PIZZA MAN ...........HE WILL SLAVE THE PLAYERS AND MAKE THE PLAYOFFS FOR SURE ........GOOD CHOICE ,,,,,,

[ALoco]

NO TO ZIMMER BASED ON HIS TIES WITH THE GARAGE MANAGER FROM THE COWBOYS DAYS ..........

[Mike]

Im on the Winston Moss bandwagon, I bet he's eager, willing to try, and HUNGRY, but will he want to put up with dumb and dumber in the front office?!?!?!

[NY "G"]

NY G,,,,,,TOM COUGHLIN IS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF TONY THE PIZZA MAN ...........HE WILL SLAVE THE PLAYERS AND MAKE THE PLAYOFFS FOR SURE ........GOOD CHOICE ,,,,,,

Posted by: ALoco | January 14, 2012 at 02:58 PM

ALoco,

I like Coughlin and meet him during the Giants Training camps up here at UAlbany. He usually stops and signs autographs for the fans as well as the Giant players.

Best thing is there is no charge, just parking fee at the Collage campus. Imagine THAT in New York State... something is free.

[NY "G"]

OVER TO THE NEW POST.

[MJZ]

Has Ireland been fired yet?

[yuengling]

Does anybody remember the names of the three boys on the old sitcom "My Three Sons?"

"Butch, Hank, and Potsie?" Something like that?

[ALoco]

WHAT IS THE CHRISMAS SONG THAT GO FA LA LA LA LA LA?.,.I WISH IT WAS STILL THEW CHRISTMAS TIMES.

[MJZ]

Face the facts. No one with a choice will join this joke of a team.

[Phins78]

Do you guys in the media even believe yourselves' do you ever believe the crap that you write when you write it or do you guys just write any ole' garbage in order to get a paycheck?

"That doesn't speak well of the Miami approach, especially considering they could have continued on with their interviews with no problems anyway. Makes Miami look dumb."

Except you and every other freaking reporter out there were putting the pressure on Miami and Fisher to make a decision. You guys put the fans in a frenzy, making everyone believe we were getting screwed around with, and then the media AND fans began pressuring the organization.

And you turn around and blame Ross for his impatience while taking none of the blame for fostering an environment of impatience that led to heavy pressure! Are you fu**ing kidding me?!!! You Florida reporters have to be the worst bunch in the country. Write anything to get a rise right guys? Damned be the consequences, you can all slime your way back to hide under your rocks.

[NICK M]

There was absolutely no truth to the Phins demanding an answer on Friday. Nashville reports were that Fisher was clear to both franchises that he would have an answer on Friday, that was clear in negotiations...
Ever notice Armando never speaks for himself, always seems to have an "out" by referring to "sources"...
PONY UP ARMANDO

[Phins78]

What's up NY"G"? Didn't know you were from the Albany area. I'm in Saratoga. Good to know we have some fans up here.

[randy]

I don't see why they wouldn't just hire Bowles?If not him then I like the OC from New Orleans.

[Dolphin 77]

These idiots are going to bring toub back for a second interviwe. Come on man!

[Tee]

Mando are onl about his nmber of hits and posts and will play into the things he thinks will generate the most. Whih is of ourse whining, crying and talking general $hit.