Ireland Officially Begins Head Coaching Search
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland released a rare public statement Monday to address what will be the biggest move of his tenure, the hiring of the new Fins head coach.
Ireland survived another dismal season with the Dolphins even after Tony Sparano was fired by Fins owner Stephen Ross. Ireland's head has been called for by fans for his constant failures in finding a quarterback, among other positions.
But Ross double-downed on Ireland after the firing of Sparano, much to the chagrin of most Dolphins fans. Now, Ireland is leading the charge to find a replacement for Sparano.
His statement read as follows:
Steve Ross and I have a plan in place that is designated to insure that we identify and interview an outstanding set of candidates for the head coaching position. The process will be thorough, it will be in compliance with NFL policies, and will provide the best possible result for the franchise.
That search has begun and there is no designated timetable; it will be conducted in a manner that gives us the greatest opportunity to hire the individual we feel is best suited to become the team's head coach. Steve and I are excited to embark on this process, and we are confident that it will result in the selection of an outstanding individual who will return the Dolphins to their long-time status as one of the most successful teams in the league.
So far, the Dolphins have been turned away by Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden. The Fins appear to be longshots at best for former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, which means the team will likely turn to the offensive coordinator rankings to find their new coach.
On Monday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris and St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo were both fired by their teams.
