The Miami Dolphins lost out on the Jeff Fisher sweepstakes yesterday, and suddenly, the sky is falling. The world is coming to an end. The Miami Dolphins are going to cease operations as a franchise in the NFL, pack up the team facilities, and call it quits.
Or, maybe the team will continue to operate, continue to interview possible coaches, find the right guy for the job, and get ready for 2012.
Smart money is on the latter.
Fisher deciding to go to St. Louis is not the end of the world. Owner Stephen Ross' decision to not give final personnel decisions to Fisher over general manager Jeff Ireland isn't the dumbest thing in the world. Miami will be fine.
Three days ago, post after post explained how Fisher was a bad decision. He had six winning seasons out of 16. He only had the one trip to the Super Bowl, and was not a great coach. Yesterday, you would have thought the Dolphins had just told Don Shula, Tom Landry and Vince Lombardi to take a hike.
Miami has a plan. Trust them to execute it. The Dolphins aren't the first team to have a coach decide to go elsewhere. They won't be the last.
What exactly has made everyone so sure Jeff Fisher is worthy of the power he wants? A coach who operates as a general manager, or vice president with final say in personnel, typically does not do well. Mike Holmgren struggled in Seattle when he had both powers. It's not an easy thing to do. And, Fisher hasn't ever had the power to make personnel decisions, so who is to say he can do both jobs?
But, no matter what, the Dolphins are already moving on. Miami has already interviewed interim head coach Todd Bowles, Chicago Bears special teams coach Dave Toub, Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Reports came out last night that the Dolphins have an interview setup for some time today, although no leaks of whom the team would be interviewing have come out. Speculation on Twitter last night stated it could be Toub returning for a second interview.
Toub and Zimmer are considered the front runners of the group already interviewed.
However, yesterday, Ross stated the team plans to interview "coaches in the playoffs." Speculating targets from the coaches in the playoffs, the Dolphins could have eyes on New Orleans Saint offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and Green Bay assistant head coach Winston Moss. Coaches from playoff teams cannot be interviewed until their team has been eliminated, or during the off week before the Super Bowl.
Which means, the Dolphins could be without a head coach for a few more weeks, But, that's a few more weeks where the sun will come up every morning. The sky will remain above our heads. And the Earth will continue to spin. And, the Miami Dolphins will continue to execute their plan, picking up where they left off over the last three days of the Jeff Fisher watch.
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2 recs | 93 comments
So say we all.....
AKdolphan - January 14, 2012
SO SAY WE ALL!!!
tuscanitunr x2 - January 14, 2012
All is what was said?
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
Please can you do some digging on Winston Moss? Pretty please :)
I want some substance behind what I heard (good things) about Winston Moss and hopefully they will at least interview the guy on monday before making any rash decisions.
I’d rather the dolphins take their time and interview everyone they can that’s available than announce tomorrow.
Phin-Phan-Phorever - January 14, 2012
winston moss is interesting? Did theyask yet?
how was miami able to interview Philbin if Green Bay is still in the playoffs? Was it because of the bye week?
tightypatwhitey - January 14, 2012
Thank you Mosul... As always, spot on! My thoughts exactly....
Dolphinator - January 14, 2012
I concur...
Excellent article summarizing the situation…
Who cares how long this takes as long as we get someone who makes the Dolphins a winner!
MightyHal - January 14, 2012
Hopefully now Miami will interview some promising offensive coaches to consider for Miami’s head coach, such as winston moss and chudzinski. I never liked Fisher as Miami’s
head coach, so I think this is a blessing in disguise.
tpl - January 14, 2012
Same thing happened to the falcons
Parcells was there to be there vp until we called him and he flew down here and now the falcons are in the playoffs every year and we are well you know
bryankstro - January 14, 2012
That's exactly what I thought when I saw Fisher ran to St.Louis......
Red Dog - January 14, 2012
Sucking ass in the wind?
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
Pissing into a breeze lol
Little Nicky 21 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Hey Mosul, it is 2012, are you sure the sky is above our heads and the earth is still spinning? lol
The conclusion to the Fisher saga is what I do like about our FO (Ross/Ireland). I’m glad they didn’t hand everything over to Fisher. IF we could have gotten him as a coach and coach only, that would’ve been great. But he doesn’t deserve Belicheck $, and I don’t want him having that much power. I actually like Ireland and want to see him in control of personnel.
Chud to me is CamCam 2.0, Zimmer is a D guy which means Nolan would be gone……When you take a closer look at Toub, doesn’t seem all that bad especially considering a few good HCs have gone that route.
Does anyone have an answer as to why Nolan is not being considered?
Red Dog - January 14, 2012
... at least until Dec 23, 2012... lol
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
I'm checking every morning
Just to make sure. One day one of these guys will be right…..
Red Dog - January 14, 2012
Wouldn't it be just our luck
To be undefeated on the season and have a playoff spot locked in 2012, only to have the world end before we get to the playoffs?
PhinNomenol! - January 14, 2012 via Android app
That is literally the only way the "prophecy" comes true.
If it was going to ruin a Dolphins playoff run lol
Little Nicky 21 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Lol yup
I’ll only get afraid if we are winning our division around week 13 of the season.
PhinNomenol! - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Toub
I’m intrigued by Toub. Special Teams is widely ignored but can help win games. Just look at Chicago and Seattle the last couple years. Good defence, below average offense, excellent special teams. The Dolphins would be the same formula, but with more weapons on offense.
Drumzan - January 14, 2012
Exactly.
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
Nolan likes it as a cordinator
Here’s the article:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/mike-nolan-happy-as-miami-dolphins-defensive-coordinator-2034868.html
PhinDiesel - January 14, 2012
Dead on, Mosul...
I just read a scathing article by Jason Cole on Yahoo, laughing at Ross for being so inept as to NOT give full control of the organization to FIsher. It’s an outrageous take on the situation. FIrst of all, giving a head coach full personnel control never really works. You are right about Holmgren, but its also true about our buddy Parcells, who never won a thing when he “shopped for the groceries.” And speaking of never winning anything, even if Ross were inclined to give full control to a coach, why would he do so to a guy like FIsher, with his mediocre record? I like Fisher, but the guys who have been given the kind of control he was looking for all had at least one ring when they got it. Not FIsher. So, to me, this was an owner making a prudent decision that is better for the organization, rather than giving too much power to a slightly above .500 head coach in order to make a splash and win a bidding war. Wise move, IMO….
Brantner78 - January 14, 2012
Fisher
I don’t really care about Fisher. I am more concerned about Ross just saying “to hell with it” and just settling for some average coach. As long as he does due diligence we should be alright. He does need to learn how to do things without making them a freaking circus though.
miamimike71 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
What circus?
sirdolphin - January 14, 2012
Umm.........
Last offseason Harbaugh, this offseason Carl Peterson/ Ireland contest, the Decision… Granted the media hypes everything but to Ross- C-Mon Man !!!
miamimike71 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
I'm afraid you have to talk to prospective coaches.
I don’t really see another way. There’s no circus but the reaction.
sirdolphin - January 14, 2012
You're not getting it.
The circus isn’t “interviewing coaches,” it’s doing it while still having another coach employed, or sending out two separate people to conduct two separate coaching searches, both with the authority to offer the job..
It’s ridiculous
Little Nicky 21 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Ross is not making this a circus
Although last year (Harbaugh) was a bad decision, the media got to it and blew it up.
Again, with two separate searches, I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad tactic (like having someone you trust and is KNOWLEDGEABLE) help you research on an issue. Ross kept it to himself, but media got ahold of it and magnified it.
Ross is a victim of growing pains and media target. Compare the way Ross does things and gets outed versus how Jerry Jones created his own spectacles.
PhinNomenol! - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Disagree
It is a bad tactic. The NFL is about power, as this Fisher saga has proven, and when you have two different guys (one who isn’t even employed by the team) with the power to offer the coaching position on separate searches, thats a bad tactic. When you interview a guy for a position that isn’t available, thats a bad tactic. Media or no media, Ross doesn’t know what he’s doing
Little Nicky 21 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
I think you are being very touchy about this.
They are just interviewing people for a job. Maybe you are too easily manipulated by a media that seeks to create a story. There’s really nothing there.
sirdolphin - January 14, 2012
Lol
Whatever you say cowboy. Not sure how I’m being “touchy,” but sure, let’s go with that.. I guess I could be easily manipulated by the media, or I could just be paying attention. I don’t know why you think it’s not a story. Ross keeps failing to get the coach he wants.
Little Nicky 21 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Cowboy? You're on the wrong site.
You can’t always get what you want as Sir Michael so rightly pointed out, but if you are paying attention to the media in general you would see that the statement “two different guys (one who isn’t even employed by the team) with the power to offer the coaching position on separate searches” is categorically untrue. If you pick 100 speculative stories from the media, 5-10 will be true, it’s like cold reading.
I’ll admit that interviewing Harborough and expecting to keep it under wraps was an error, but interviewing him doesn’t seem too bad an idea, after a year.
sirdolphin - January 14, 2012
Yeah but this is what his "Football" people are suppose to be advising Ross about.
Ross is the owner and not a football guy. Peterson and Ireland are the football guys and need to tell Ross what is and what is not the right way to handle football decisions.
IMO, Ross’ so called “Football” people are letting him down.
ct1361 - January 14, 2012
Send in the clowns?
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
I don't really caare that Fisher didn't come here
I want the team to keep Nolan as DC, and maybe make Daboll an assisstant such as QB.
If we decide to get Toub, I will not be upset. Yes, he’s a special teams coach. But maybe, just maybe he turns out to be like John Harbaugh.
Kdog92 - January 14, 2012
Like Kdog says... ruff, ruff.
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
bow-wow
Kdog92 - January 14, 2012
Mike Nolan is not returning. Personal decision on his part.
civwarbuff - January 14, 2012
Then maybe we'll hire a head coach with a defensive background...
like Zimmer, who I would be thrilled to hire. If he can help turn the Bengals around it should be small potatoes to turn the Phis from mediocre to playoffs.
Dakota Phan - January 14, 2012
Worlds not ending...
just starting the next 5-years of mediocrity ….. no big deal
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
Hey guys! We came in 2nd place for Fisher. At least we didn't finish last.
Oh wait….
JP 23 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
1st loser?
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
I like Mike McCoy and what he's done with Tebow this season, building the offense to Tebow's strengths.
He was a QB himself and outside of Chud, their may not be a better coach to groom a young QB.
Mike McCoy, Chud, Philbin, or Carmichael Jr. Those are the guys we need to take good hard looks at.
JP 23 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
My initial reaction was very emotional base.....because I love the Fins!
But, I have stated numerous times that I really like Toub..I feel he could be better than Fisher…but Fisher was more of a safe and popular pick because of his experience!
That being said SP coaches manage players form both side of the ball, Toub has impressed his present coach & former…both stating that he would make a good HC someday….+ it is said his attention to detail is A+++++…..+ he commands respect!
MassFinFan65 - January 14, 2012
Exactly.
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
Good Ridance Fisher
Glad the Fisher fiasco is over….Now we can look for a GOOD head coach…The eight best teams are still playing and the two best won’t meet until the Super Bowl….so whats the rush?…time is on our side….we need a coach that WANTS to be on the Dolphins and lead our team out of mediocrity….lets interview as many as possible then make a correct decision…good things come to those who wait….JMHO
ptLsteve - January 14, 2012
well the seven best teams, and the broncos.
Phinsphana - January 14, 2012
Bravo sir!
LimeyPhin - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Problem is if you wait too long some potentials's will be gone!
MassFinFan65 - January 14, 2012
Or
We wait and all the subpar desperate coaches are snatched up by desperate, impatient teams. That leaves us less competition to acquire coordinators of winning teams interested in HC job. That’s a win in my book.
PhinNomenol! - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Fisher wanted to be with Miami
he said that.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
... and... he chumped out.
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
I wasn't sold on the "fish" anyway, not sure we could have fit his ego through the door.
I’d rather we not rush in and grab "whoever " is available, let’s get the guy who is the best fit, who , you say ! you got me, but i’m not an owner or a nfl G.M., hopefully the right guy will fall to us. Fate has a funny way of turning things around, and maybe the whole fisher thing was a blessing in disguise.
daytonadolfan - January 14, 2012
All-Star college games. That is the only reason to have a coach in place. Other wise we should take our time.
FinFanFromCA - January 14, 2012
I look forward to seeing Miami knock Bradford out of a game someday...
…enroute to a blowout victory where the camera pauses on Fisher’s face…sad, frustrated and disappointed in his bad team and in his bad decisions. Perhaps even the gray in his ’stache looking more dominant than ever.
The only real bad part of Fisher choosing the Rams is that it gives the media another reason to fire their wordplay diarhea at Miami and Ross. It gets old. I’d like to see positive things said about the team occasionally.
I’m confident that a new coach inherits a competing team that’s hungry to won for him. I’ll certainly support whoever comes on board.
mikem1224 - January 14, 2012
right now, I'm hoping for on of these three
Philbin, Pete Carmichael, and Winston Moss. I know a lot of people like Chud, but i would prefer a guy who is coming straight out of a winning atmosphere. Modeling a team and an organization after the Packers or Saints certainly wouldnt be the worst thing in the world. and im not just talking about modeling personal decisions like those teams, but also modeling ourself after 2 of the most classy organizations in recent years….
#1Heatfan - January 14, 2012
Bowles needs another look....
For knowing he was a lame-duck coach, Bowles did a great job keeping the team playing hard. Maybe give Nolan assistant HC and more $, and keep Dabol as well. And upgrade the heck out of every other assistant/scouts/water boys, etc.
Or…
Blow it all up and start over.
sixmikey9 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
i keep thinking about the new england game how we got an early lead, then proptly blew it in the second half, literally the same we dealt with sparono this year and I don’t want to deal with that again
Phinsphana - January 14, 2012
Couple of things Mosul ...
You are right, it is not an easy thing to do, but it has been done. Jimmy Johnson was pretty successful at it in Dallas. And Mike Holmgren went to a Super Bowl in Seattle, let’s not forget that. Those are just two examples. I am sure there are others.
I am sure they do have a plan. If that is the case, then don’t leak the plan to the media. It has been all over the place that Ross wanted to “make a splash” and “hire an experienced HC”. When Fisher became the only experienced HC available, again it was all over the media, that the Dolphins “would not be outbid” for Fisher’s services. If the plan was to get an experienced HC, then Ross, Ireland, and company didn’t execute the plan.
One of the problems with the Dolphins since the Trifecta (and Ross) has got on board is messaging. If the right message doesn’t get out to the media, and by extension the fan base, or the message is not executed properly, the fans and the media take a negative view of the organization. Based on attendance last year, I think it is obvious that has happened.
Let’s look at the last 12 months of mistakes in messaging. It started with the flight west to convince Harbaugh to become HC. Then came the statement that the Phins were going to bring in a veteran QB to compete with Henne. Then their was the very public pursuit of Orton, that failed. Now you have the “experienced HC” search.
Whether you agree or disagree with what Ross and Ireland have done the last 12 months, I think that we can all agree that the spin or messaging of what they have tried to do has failed. IMO, it has failed miserably.
Part of this failed messaging I put on Ireland, simply because he NEVER addresses the media. He is the GM and now in charge of the football operations. If that is the case, why is Ross giving the interviews discussing the direction of the football team?
Until this organization gets the messaging right, they will continue to allow critics to be very vocal. They will continue to generate negative press. Steady organizations are on message, from the owner all the way down to the HC and coordinators (hell maybe even the ball boy). Steady organizations only leak things to the media that puts them in a positive light. Until the Phins master this (and start winning playoff games), negativity will follow them.
ct1361 - January 14, 2012
don't forget the water boy, too!
sixmikey9 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
CT you are hitting the nail on the head. Another Question. Why is Ireland not out talking to the Media instead of Ross? Ireland is the GM and he is the guy that should be out there.
FinFanFromCA - January 14, 2012
Surely you are not counting Orton?
Not wanting to give up too much for a player who went on to be cut is surely a victory for Ireland?
sirdolphin - January 14, 2012
excuse me but WTF is so special about Ireland that Ross
Wouldn;t give Fisher final decisions on personell??? ESPN is reporting that Fisher would have signed with Miami pending.
Tageted the right guy again. Couldn’t close the deal again. I see a trend.
They did make some progress however – at least they had the decency to fire the HC before they started courting Fisher – so I guess I should look at the positive there right.
Face this team is going to be New England’s punching bag until Belichick retires or dies – Organizationally it’s no contest. Fisher and or Harbaugh could have closed the gap …… now? Foget about it!!!
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
I'm thinking they wanted Fisher in a coaching capacity only, which I agree with.
Fisher was Manning’s punching bag for years, I don’t see how he’d show up here and beat New England all of a sudden. Also, watch the 49ers for more than a year before crowning them. They have a very weak division, which will show itself today when they get pummeled by New Orleans. Also, we’ve seen how a new coach can surprise with a winning record and a playoff berth their rookie year. And we’ve also seen how that doesn’t foretell the seasons to come…..
All in all, don’t feel too despondent, the media loves painting us as inept. The truth is we didn’t completely sellout to an AVERAGE coach, who, by all appearances, was just using as leverage. Just as Harbaugh did last year, and even S Ryan Clark did to us. Now we get someone “youngry” who just might keep our coordinators and be more inclined to “tinker” as opposed to “blow up”……
Red Dog - January 14, 2012
We need Billick, Chud, or Chucky...
I really want to know who it is they are interviewing today…
Jason Scott_90 - January 14, 2012
Most excellent post! Rec'd.
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
What is it about Toub that makes him HC worthy?
Usually, you want a head coach that’s at least been an OC or DC. I was surprised to see a ST guy up for the job. Any background on him that makes him stand out?
OldJetsFanatic - January 14, 2012
is they hire Toub.......
……….i will feel like a boob.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
is that good or bad
Phinsphana - January 14, 2012
i didn't say "feel a boob" I said
feel LIKE a boob …… thats bad.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
if they hire him i will jump on the boob toub bandwagan
CHOOO CHOOOO!!!!!
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
Check here:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Five-candidates-for-NFL-head-coaching-jobs-in-2012.html
Alpha6 - January 14, 2012
Thanks for the link
I guess I still don’t get why he is such a great prospect as the Bears have the best returner in the history of the NFL on their special teams.
OldJetsFanatic - January 14, 2012
The point about Hester is what I immediately thought....
no one coached or taught Hester how to be the greatest return man in NFL history.
granted that’s short sided and there might be a lot more impressive numbers about the Bears STs. But if you were to ask me what is special about the Bears STs i would say Hester.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
Could it be Hester is talented, but Toub's scheme allows him to flourish...
Kinda like how Welker was OK here, but Belicheat gets him and turns him into gold. Maybe on another team Hester is more of a Ginn (as far as stats go). Not taking away from his talent by any means, but to have success for that long on special teams (usually lots of roster turnover) tells me it has at least something to do with the coaching. Pure talent will have it’s moments, but consistency is coaching.
Red Dog - January 14, 2012
i doubt it ...
not saying Toub isn;t a great ST coach – he probably is – but when it comes to what Heaster does thats all talent and instinct ….. i dont see that as being taught.
kick coverage – blocking kicks – all that stuff I am sure he’s awesome.
i will get behind him or whoever it is.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
ok, thats why i asked
you need to ask questions to get answers
Phinsphana - January 14, 2012
reply post fail
Phinsphana - January 14, 2012
Mosul "Smart money is on the latter."???
what makes you think they WILL hire the right guy?
I WANT to believe that – unfortunately i CAN’T.
The Marino years were great but they never won the big game there. but at least they were relevant. But its been over a decade now since this organization has been relevant and missing out on fisher is another brick in the wall.
so pardon my skepticism but my money is on them hiring the wrong guy – being mediocre to poor for another 3-5 years and starting the process over AGAIN. This is like a bad movie that you watch more than once ….. this is like that crappy Patrick Swayse movie Roadhouse ….. freakin torturous.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
who doesnt like roadhouse
that’s like saying you don’t like point break
Phinsphana - January 14, 2012
i dont think I watch that one....
but for some reason i still watch “the road warrior” with Mel Gibson over and over ….. good golly some great acting in that one.
scrappy the wildcat - January 14, 2012
Wait, someone doesn't like Roadhouse?
That is disgusting. I hope a polar bear falls on him.
Dakota Phan - January 14, 2012
Isn't it a shame that some of us fans are to this point with the Miami Dolphins?
Well Said. Rec’d.
What has happened in the last 4 years to say that this is the time that everything gets turned around?
ct1361 - January 14, 2012
thank you
i am sure glad fisher didnt come. he was a name more than anything. let’s just find someone who WANTS to be here!
yappy007 - January 14, 2012
Yes he didn't want to be here with the rest of us, now for sure he will revert to saying that "it was a family thing" & had nuthing to do with personel or fans!
wild zion beaver - January 14, 2012
Farewell Fisher
This guy was using us as leverage the whole time. He is a Midwest guy and had the opportunity to pick the GM in St Louis if he went there. Who is going to pass that up? I would still like to see Chip Kelly get an interview. He has the mental make-up to be successful. My guess for who we get? Zimmer! He is the only one with Dallas ties. Oh well…..
Dolfan256 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Couldnt have had a better birthday gift...
Than Fisher deciding not to come to Miami(it was a day early but still) Im absolutely stoked we won’t be getting a damn retread….
Heath84 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Fisher is Right this
job was, not right for him and he was not the right coach for the Fins.Jeff Fisher was a QB in the NFL and without knowing much about him I know he welcomes the opportunity to coach Bradford(is that the right spelling)in St Louis.
broxtone - January 14, 2012
Fisher was a DB in the NFL not a QB.
Let me give everyone an out on the Jeff Fisher debate. HE IS FROM USC.
FinFanFromCA - January 14, 2012
...And one more thing
Ross wants a young Don Shula? Didn’t Don Shula have a significant input with personell decisions?
Dolfan256 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Shhh
No facts. Ross knows less about the dolphins than the majority of the fans, and he owns them…
Little Nicky 21 - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Maybe this was a set-up, Fisher was going to the Rams all along, Fisher stated that he likes Ireland...
makes it appear he was really torn when all along a trade negotiation was going on so we can swap with the Rams at pic 2, Get RG III & Rams get more of our picks because they have more rebuilding to do!
MassFinFan65 - January 14, 2012
I think the articles say it all.
As long as Ireland is calling the shots, what respected HC is going to want to come here. Ireland wants a puppet, who wants that job.
Whippets2 - January 15, 2012
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