Joe Robbins - Getty Images
9 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer argues with head linesman Kent Payne #79 during an NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium on September 1, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Colts won 17-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Another day of waiting and not getting a decision as the Miami Dolphins search for their next head coach. However, it was a busy day on the coaching landscape across the league. There were hirings, firings, interviews, and, or course, waiting.
The Dolphins continue to circle in a holding pattern as former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher weighs his choices. Fisher has been interviewed by both the Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, and is expected to decide between the two teams this week. But, the Dolphins have not been stagnant in their search waiting on Fisher.
On Tuesday, owner Stephen Ross, general manager Jeff Ireland, and "advisor" Carl Peterson met with Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Zimmer spent seven years as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator from 2000-2007, before a year with the Atlanta Falcons, followed by his move to Cincinnati. During his time in Dallas, the same time that Ireland was with the Cowboys, Zimmer worked as the coordinator through multiple coaching changes, and even switched form his preferred 4-3 defensive scheme to Bill Parcells' 3-4 lineup.
The Dolphins had also lined up an interview with former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey for today. However, Mularkey was hired yesterday by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
And, that wasn't the only hiring to happen around the NFL. In Kansas City, the team officially removed the interim tag from Romeo Crennel's title, making him the team's head coach for 2012. Maybe the most interesting hire in the NFL yesterday - expected to be officially announced today - is the New York Jets hiring former Miami head coach Tony Sparano to be their new offensive coordinator.
With the lessons Sparano learned in Miami as the head coach over four seasons, especially this year when he changed from a conservative, ground and pound coach, into someone realizing he had to loosen the reins in order to succeed, the Jets could have picked up a very decent offensive coordinator.
Meanwhile, there were also firings around the league yesterday, including the Raiders "relieving" Hue Jackson of his head coach responsibilities.
Two possible candidates for the Dolphins' job, should Fisher decide to head to the Rams, both were denying reports yesterday. The first, Oregon's Chip Kelly, and the Dolphins both denied media reports that Miami had contacted Kelly's agent about setting up an interview. Then, in Cincinnati, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden turned down all head coaching jobs, despite interest from several teams. Gruden, the brother of former NFL Coach Jon Gruden, has stated previously that he does not feel he is ready to be an NFL head coach, and seems to be sticking to that mantra.
The Rams set up their first non-Fisher interview of the season, looking at Denver Broncos Dennis Allen. The fact that the Rams suddenly began working on their "Plan B" if the team doesn't land Fisher could signal a lack of confidence in Fisher's decision.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, continue to await word from Fisher, while simultaneously searching for other candidates. No interviews are scheduled for Wednesday with Mularkey heading to Jacksonville but the Dolphins will continue to reach out to candidates. So far, in just nine days since the end of the season, the Dolphins have interviewed Todd Bowles, Dave Toub, and Joe Philbin, to go with Fisher and Zimmer.
0 recs | 65 comments
Interview Winston Moss!!!
Good! That means Miami won’t be able to hire Mularkey! Hopefully it’ll force them to interview winston moss and chud.
tpl - January 11, 2012
We can't.
Not until the Packers are out of the playoffs. And, I would expect him to go to Oakland. The Raiders GM is going to try to get as many Packers assistants as he can.
Kevin Nogle - January 11, 2012
Tony and the jets?
watch ’em draft a FG kicker in the first!
CanT0o - January 11, 2012
Good
One less bad candidate
PhinPhan910 - January 11, 2012
so we are just sitting around here for Jeff Fisher to decide?
We already offered him more money… He is basically telling us how bad this job sucks. Why do we want this guy so bad? What are the chances that he decides to stay here long term then?
Jason Scott_90 - January 11, 2012
I'd rather
he take his time and make the right decision. The time he is taking to decide could indicate that he intends to be with that team a long time.
rintintinsoldier - January 11, 2012
yeah it's not really going to make a difference to Miami except for the impatient fans
Waiting implies he is taking this seriously and wants to give his new team his all. It also gives us more time to find an acceptable back-up option if he hops on a plane to St. Louis.
BSerious72 - January 11, 2012
The point is, we aren't just sitting around waiting for Fisher.
We are still interviewing. We are still looking for other candidates. We aren’t offering the job to anyone else, because we have the offer on the table to Fisher. But, if he decides to go to St. Louis, we are still in good shape. St. Louis, on the other hand, is way behind if Fisher chooses us.
And, I completely disagree that he is telling us how bad the job sucks. I look at it the other way. St. Louis is the place where he gets more power, has a QB, and the second overall draft choice. He’s a midwestern guy, comfortable in Tennessee, and would like to go back to that area. St. Louis does that. Yet, he is still intrigued enough by the MIami job to not just immediately take the Rams position. Sure, money helps, but if it’s this hard for him to make a choice like this, there’s got to be things in the Miami position that he really likes too.
Kevin Nogle - January 11, 2012
exactly
BSerious72 - January 11, 2012
At least the Rams are starting to catch up on interviews
They’re schedule to interview Chudzinski. ESPN is starting rumors by saying this means the Rams are becoming underdogs. Don’t know if I believe that, but ESPN can spread whatever gossip they want.
Finhead83 - January 11, 2012
Why do you even watch/listen to/click on anything ESPN related? Here’s a hint to what they cover:
Tim Tebow
Red Sox
Tim Tebow
Patriots
Tim Tebow
Yankees
Celtics
Heat
Lakers
Cowboys
…and oh yeah…Tim Tebow.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
And I say go Phins, Canes, Mavs, Rangers and of course Stars.
texascowpunk - January 11, 2012
dunno
think you left out some of their tebow coverage.
(and rec’d)
palewook - January 11, 2012
First off TT does not play defence. Now haveing just said this & knowing how the "puppet master" wants to destroy the rest of the NFL. Collect yet another SB-mvp award!
I do remember a game not to awful long ago a game in which New England summand from the gates of hell itself “a lucafiran effert” in witch even the walking on water wood not help. Dog-stompin fo the Denver Broncos was a humain thing to do so as they wood have a chance to get there said QB, not yet realizing that there QB carrys a dual action figure behind those blue-eyes!
wild zion beaver - January 11, 2012
Fisher also has connections with St. Louis
He was basically a shoe in for the St. Louis job, hence why they didn’t have any other interviews lined up. It shows you they are really concerned Fisher is going to choose Miami
Agent J 78 - January 11, 2012
Taking time to consider a job is not abnormal
Neither is wanting more money. It doesn’t mean he isn’t passionate about his work. Don’t you want more money?
Fuhbawl - January 11, 2012
Of course not. I’m independently wealthy, and I don’t need to be sitting in this cubicle.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
I spent all my wealth on getting a 3rd monitor in my cubicle.
joel311 - January 11, 2012
LOL
texascowpunk - January 11, 2012
Great news! Hopes its top Quality
wild zion beaver - January 11, 2012
I have turned down jobs making more money. While I get that money is important it is not a primary driving force in
my life or my life decisions. I would hope this would apply to a guy like Fisher who already has security financially but probably seeks a deeper level of satisfaction at this point.
texascowpunk - January 11, 2012
Whats the sab'wah'fare with fisher!
wild zion beaver - January 11, 2012
My gut reaction on the Jets news was happy. (If it happens, of course)
That really doesn’t say much for Tony’s time here. I just can’t believe that he’s the guy to take Sanchez to the next level or command the attention of all their prima donnas. Will be strange facing Tony twice a year.
When Tony left, I wished him the best in his career. Needless to say, I won’t anymore!
Agumen - January 11, 2012
Hugh jackson
I’m surprised that the raiders let Jackson go. Maybe this should be our #1 candidate? I wanted either gruden but both have denied interest in head coaching jobs..
Jared Maier - January 11, 2012
I wouldn’t mind Hue Jackson, either. I don’t know if I would go as far as to say he’d be our top choice, but he’d be up there.
I’m also inclined to interview Spagnolo, but that’s just my opinion.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Sparano's a Jet?
Yet another reason for me to hate that team. I can’t wait until our defense punishes his offense next year.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Hey Tony,
You left something…. come get Colombo and take him with you. Thanks.
PhinNomenol! - January 11, 2012 via Android app
THIS x 1000
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Lmao. We can only hope
54 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
The sad thing is I think
He would be an upgrade over Wayne Hunter. lol
Agent J 78 - January 11, 2012
prolly lol
BSerious72 - January 11, 2012
Lmao
Goon305Boy10 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
LOL I nominate this as the comment of the day!
texascowpunk - January 11, 2012
lolol
joel311 - January 11, 2012
fisher should choose today
Miami or st Louis… Which will it be?
BSerious72 - January 11, 2012 via iPhone app
Not to be a buzz-kill here, but unfortunately, I think the answer will be St. Louis. Mosul hit on a lot of the reasons why, above. If Jeff Ireland wasn’t around, and we could offer the same amount of power as St. Louis is, currently, I think we’d have a better shot at Fisher. Just my 2 cents.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
you're probably right...
St. Louis:
Young #1 pick QB
Current #2 pick
Handed the keys to entire organization
Weaker division
Team went 2-14, improving is inevitable
less pressure, less expectations
don’t have to see Rex Ryan’s revolting fat twice a year
BSerious72 - January 11, 2012
Indeed.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
PS. Rex is fat.
BSerious72 - January 11, 2012
PPS
His diet consists of feet and fat.
joel311 - January 11, 2012
Oh my
Alpha6 - January 11, 2012
Greisel is n't considered fat, Err the root of all evil lies within Rexy so yes rec!
wild zion beaver - January 11, 2012
There have been multiple people who have worked with Jeff Fisher that said he should be
kept away from personnel decisions. We don’t want him to have that kind of power.
joel311 - January 11, 2012
The thing with Tony going to the Jets....
He will be an asset to Rexy getting any of our FAs. I could see Langford heading there, maybe Soliai. Henne is most definitely getting a job there, although I don’t think that worries us……..
Red Dog - January 11, 2012
Sooooooo, they will have 2 sh*tty quarterbacks? That’s fantastic news!
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
What a QB battle that would be!!
/end sarcasm
joel311 - January 11, 2012
All the picks?
All the picks!
thulsa - January 11, 2012
I disagree. They would have one shitty quarterback and Henne
who may or may not be shitty.
But is certainly better than Sanchez.
PNSter - January 11, 2012
Let me save you the trouble..
“May or may not be shitty”
No, he’s shitty. Resume debate accordingly.
Little Nicky 21 - January 11, 2012 via Android app
I don't want to lose Langford,
but I couldn’t give 2 shits about Henne and Soliai.
joel311 - January 11, 2012
Why Soliai?
They have a better NT on the roster, if it was swapping NT I would have no problem with that.
Agent J 78 - January 11, 2012
Good point.
Soliai definitely isn’t getting premier NT money just to back up Jenkins.
joel311 - January 11, 2012
Oops
I mean Pouha.
joel311 - January 11, 2012
Was just writing that, lol
Jenkins was forced into retirement by injury
Agent J 78 - January 11, 2012
They really should have an edit button
It bugs me when I forget to check something before hitting “post” and I see a big grammar or spelling error and can’t correct it.
Agent J 78 - January 11, 2012
Poo poo plater for everyone...
Alpha6 - January 11, 2012
This wait is ridiculous
Cmon Jeff!!
Goon305Boy10 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
I don't care if Fisher comes or not.
Gimme excitement….
Alpha6 - January 11, 2012
Jeff Fisher's to do list:
-interview with Ross. Check!
-interview with Rams. Check!
-evaluate each division. Check!
-evaluate 2 rosters. Check!
- get family’s input.Check!
-mislead my untrusted sources, about decision. Check!
-rise my stock. Check!
-sit back and drink whiskey all night. Check!
- twiddle my thumbs. Check!
…Wait for it…
I Jeff Fisher chose St. Louis Rams for obvious reasons.
I can’t compete with another Jeff in the FO for power. In the words of Frank Sanatra, I did it my way…
I have a Qb in place.
A 4-3 Defense already in place.
And I felt like this was the best option for me.
I thank the Dolphins for their generous offer.
However, the Rams is where I fit best!
Any questions?
Stats407 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
I think the longer wait for Fisher favors the Dolphins.
If it were a slam dunk for St. Louis, there’s no reason to wait. If he’s just waiting for the best offer, then by all accounts, Ross will pay whatever it takes.
PNSter - January 11, 2012
With Fisher sitting on his hands (on top of being terrible)...
and Philbin mourning the death of his son, I say we turn our full attention to Chudzinksi. He’s the most dynamic candidate out there and can give is the offense we’ve wanted for years.
No other coach on the market makes an impression, unless we want a few more seasons of mediocrity, inflated hopes, and ultimate disappointment.
ToastErr - January 11, 2012
Great to see that the jumpstart is working out for Miami.
Hell, even Sparano has a job before Miami has a new coach….
Bill Moody - January 11, 2012
so, almost 60 fan comments and not one mentions interest in zimmer
hoping that means the dolphins share a common disinterest in zimmer (as the fans here appear to).
palewook - January 11, 2012
I'm not a fan of this guy...
What has he done.. really?
From Wiki:
His first coaching job was as a part-time defensive assistant at the University of Missouri (1979–80). He then went to Weber State College, where he was the inside linebackers coach (1981–84), defensive backs coach (1985–88), and defensive coordinator (1983–88). He then went to Washington State University (1989–93) as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach. In 1993, the Cougars finished eighth in the nation in total defense and second in rushing defense.
He joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 as an assistant coach of the nickel defense under Barry Switzer. He was promoted to defensive backs coach (1995–99) before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2000. The 2003 Dallas Cowboys gave up the fewest yards in the NFL while running an aggressive speedy 4-3 defense. Despite the Cowboys’ problems over the years, Zimmer has survived coaching changes (Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells) and rumored to have been a candidate for the head coaching job at the University of Nebraska (2003). For the 2005 season, he implemented the 3-4 defense favored by head coach Parcells, although Zimmer had no prior experience with it.
When Bobby Petrino was hired to coach the Atlanta Falcons early in 2007 NFL Season, Mike Zimmer agreed to become the new defensive coordinator in Atlanta.
On January 15, 2008 Mike became the Defensive Coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.
For me personally, he hasn’t impressed with his defenses. I’d take Nolan over him any day….
Alpha6 - January 11, 2012
^ this what Alpha6 said.
Nolan>Zimmer
Sure, he’s a good DC, but, he hasn’t impressed me either.
I can throw out a bunch of stats, but, really? The Phins need to make a move fast.
This Fisher sit and wait game is annoying.
pick a team already!
Stats407 - January 11, 2012
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