Coming to the end of the season, three teams had already fired their head coach, signaling a change so desperately needed, they couldn't even wait until the end of the year with the coach they had. Those three teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins all fired their top coach during the season.
But, that blood letting may be nothing compared to what is, and will, happen around the NFL today. On Black Monday, the NFL traditional begins the coaching and front office executive carousel, and this year is no different. So far today, we have seen Steve Spagnuolo and Billy Devaney, the head coach and general manager, respectively, from the St. Louis Rams fired. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the second team to make a move on Black Monday, parting ways with head coach Raheem Morris.
There are reports circulating now that, while Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has not fired head coach Jim Caldwell (as of yet), Bill and Chris Polian have both been shown the door. Bill was the team's Vice Chairman, while Chris was the General Manager.
Meanwhile, here in Miami, the Dolphins released a statement about their preparations for the search for Tony Sparano replacement. From GM Jeff Ireland:
"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 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 give 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 team in the league."
There have also been several reports released about the Dolphins, and whom they may be talking to today, or in the near future. Miami has been tied to New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, as well as Chicago Bears special teams coach Dave Toub. Maybe the most interesting report, however, involves Jon Gruden.
Chris Kouffman of UniversalDraft tweeted earlier today:
@ckparrot
Chris Kouffman@ArmandoSalguero with a stunning revelation that Carl Peterson was told to have dinner w/ Jon Gruden and allowed to offer Gruden the job...
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One coach who may find the player support to allow him to stay is San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner. Armando Salguero reports:
@ArmandoSalguero
Armando Salguero NFL source tells me Phillip Rivers is lobbying Chargers to keep Norv Turner. If it works, one less possible destination for Jeff Fisher.
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I will continue to update this throughout the rest of the day to try to stay on top of all the news, rumors, and firings.
[UPDATE: 3:27 pm EST:]
@MikeBerardino
Mike Berardino Reports have Jeff Fisher eyeing Chargers, Rams, Bucs and Colts. No mention of #Dolphins yet.
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As someone pointed out to Berardino, which he then agreed to, the Chrargers, Rams, Bucs, and Colts all have a QB already. Miami doesn't. Could be what keeps the Dolphins from landing the guy who is quickly becoming the hottest candidate for all of the NFL jobs.
[UPDATE: 3:34pm EST:] The Bills have fired defensive coordinator George Edwards. He has been replaced by Dave Wannstedt. via@ChrisBrownBills
[UPDATE: 3:38pm EST:] This isn't really a breaking news update. This is stuff not in the original post that I meant to have and forgot. The Jaguars have reportedly asked the Falcons to interview offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and talked to the Panthers about interviewing Rob Chudzinski. They are also reportedly going to interview Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
[UPDATE: 4:19pm EST:]
@SI_PeterKing
Peter King Jeff Fisher will interview with the Rams later this week. I expect the Rams to go after Fisher, then look for a GM.
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[UPDATE: 4:36pm EST:] Reports put Dolphins' owner Stephen Ross' plane in bound for Morristown Municpal Airport in New Jersey. The airport is just a few miles from the Jets complex, and could represent the team (Ross and Ireland?) heading north to interview Mike Pettine.
[UPDATE: 4:42pm EST:]
@JasonLaCanfora
Jason La Canfora Rams COO Kevin Demoff meeting the media now. "We want to find people who can take us to new heights." Estimates timetable of a few weeks
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[UPDATE: 4:49pm EST:] According to ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas, the Buccaneers could be looking at former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman for their next coach.
[UPDATE: 5:18pm EST:] ESPN is reporting that Jeff Fisher will interview with the Dolphins as well as the Rams. Fisher's interview with the Dolphins is expected to take place in the next 24-48 hours. (Hat tip to Kdog92)
[UPDATE: 7:24pm:]
@OmarKelly
Omar Kelly Dolphins have announced that they have completed an interview with Todd Bowles for its open Head Coaching position.
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This ensures the Dolphins have complied with the Rooney Rule. It's unfortunate for Bowles that his interview really was used simply to comply with the rule, because he actually will make a good head coach somewhere. But, he's not the Dolphins future.
0 recs | 135 comments
I DO NOT WANT FISHER!!!!!!!!!
Does everyone really want to go 8-8 forever. He is not a good coach, he consistently leads teams to mediocre records every year.
NJAlexH - January 2, 2012
Marty Schottenheimer is better than Fisher
and even Brian Billick. I don’t see any other big names willing to take the job. Fisher is a lock for the Colts or Rams. Jay Gruden would be a good choice as well.
Jcrew1179 - January 2, 2012
I would Love to have Fisher!!
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
I prefer shaved bush
PhinsTifosi - January 2, 2012
aaah, now you're talkin...
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
Watcha got goin on!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
most surprised about raheem morris, but thats what going 0-10 will do to ya
el presidente 00 - January 2, 2012
Is Peterson even employed by the Fins?
I need to get a job in media, I can BS all day long too………
Red Dog - January 2, 2012
He is not employed.
But he advises his friend and business partner Stephen Ross all the time. And, if Ross is offering full control of everything, it’s not like he could send Jeff Ireland, because then Ireland would be saying “If you come to Miami, you get my job too.”
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Did this report come from the wine waiter?
sirdolphin - January 2, 2012
Good question.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Did you see the Plane Mosul!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
LOL Excellent!
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
He works for Ross
with FanVision
Agent J 78 - January 2, 2012
I think the win yesterday saved Turner
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
i hope so, that's crucial for miami
el presidente 00 - January 2, 2012
Schotty interviewing for Jacksonville vacancy
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
Thanks.
Just added that to the post.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Scraps is all there looking for!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
Interesting....
Rex Ryan states during his press conference that naming captains was a mistake, and he won’t have them next year.
Santonio Holmes screwed up the fun for everyone.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
lol
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
thats funny, lmao. At least he had the good sense to know when his ass was whooped !
daytonadolfan - January 2, 2012
Was it voted on by the players like a lot of teams or did sexy rexy assign them?
I know in the past he had different captains everygame.
Agent J 78 - January 2, 2012
Dave Wannstache is the new DC for Buffalo
The Earl - January 2, 2012
poor Bills
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
the 'stache is back... twice a year Miami sees him again.. LOL
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
Say it aint so!
Brian Cox look out!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
If this story about Gruden is really true, then it's obvious why he didn't want to come here
The Earl - January 2, 2012
no kidding?
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
I didn't want Gruden....want Fisher more!
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
because of the warm weather... less taxes... the nice beaches... the fabulous fishing... great ethnic food...?
Yeah, I see it’s obvious too….
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
What's a "Dave Toub"?
urbino - January 2, 2012
Speculation is that the Dolphins are interviewing him to lock him in as the new Assist. Head Coach and STs coach.
But, I don’t know why they would do that, since a new HC would want to build his own staff.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
could mean the FO is bent on keeping Bowles as HC
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
Possibly
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Lol; stepulations, & induendow sux!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
Still don't get it.
Aside from the issue you raise, why would we want to lock him in as the new Asst. HC? Because we think he’s a future HC? Seems like a big conclusion to draw based on being a ST coach.
I just don’t know anything about the guy. Never heard his name before as somebody “football people” are high on, etc. What is he, a Michigan alum?
urbino - January 2, 2012
No idea.
Never heard of him either. But, that’s the speculation.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Dave Taub is an outstanding special teams coach for the Bears and I think he would make an excellent head coach.
Some really good NFL head coaches were former special teams coordinators including: Marv Levy, Marty Schottenheimer, bill Cowher, and John Harbaugh.
I don’t know if Taub fits for the Dolphins or not, but I wouldn’t rule him out because he coaches special teams.
ct1361 - January 2, 2012
Wasn't ruling him out because he coaches special teams.
Just saying I wouldn’t rule him in based on nothing more than that. All the other guys you mentioned may have started as ST coaches, but they had moved on to bigger things before anybody started eyeing them as head coaches, I think.
urbino - January 2, 2012
It is also being reported on Chicago radio that the Phins have asked the Bears for permission to speak to Taub for the HC position.
Lovie Smith confirmed it this evening. That’s where I actually heard it first.
ct1361 - January 2, 2012
Cool!
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
We need to do what it takes and make the trade for that #1 pick...
Then we might not have as tough a time at finding the head coach knowing that they can have their franchise QB.
Jason Scott_90 - January 2, 2012
or the 2nd
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
There is 0% chance of a trade happening before the coach is hired.
Can’t happen until the new league year in March.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
reply fail.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Hahahahahahaha
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
& the hits just keep on comming!]
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
well... hmmm ...
Maybe we just need to commit to the new head coach that we will do what needs to be done to land Luck or RG3
Jason Scott_90 - January 2, 2012
Twitter and all the other websites have gone quiet
They all must be trying to understand that the Jets will have Rex Ryan as a coach, Mark Sanchez as their QB, Santonio Holmes at WR, and Brian Schottenheimer (who the team said will be back, despite interviewing for the Jags HC job) as an offensive coordinator.
So, they are going to be the 2011 Jets in 2012?
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
God I hope so, that's good news for us
Rytackle - January 2, 2012
LOL... every other team can always say
“At least we’re not them.”
The Earl - January 2, 2012
They already do... lol
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
I don't think there captain (Homes) is comming back!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
Ben Volin will be on NFL Network in a few minutes to talk Dolphins coaching search
If any of you have NFLN and can post hims comments in here, that would be great.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Oh I do but I just saw this comment. Bummer.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
He heh he heh!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
hims?
there’s a new word… lol
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
Mind streacher etting it!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
gotta keep an eye on this
Bucs coach fired?
AnishB15 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Yes
All Florida NFL teams and all Missouri NFL teams now are searching for coaches.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
wow
Did NOT see that one coming
AnishB15 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Well, you have to lift your head up once in a while... LOL!
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
Mosul kinda like bowling huh!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
my top three choices would be
1. Rob chudzinski
2. Pete carmichael JR
3. Bill cowher
AnishB15 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Your top 2 is what Ben Volin just said on NFLN were two candidates to keep an eye on
The Earl - January 2, 2012
nice!
Did be give any other names?
AnishB15 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I would LOVE to land Rob Chudzinski.
He would be my #1.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
this^
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
I'm on that wagon with you sir.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
same here...
I think bringing a UM guy would be awesome… Maybe we will be more likely to draft players from the U … rather than less likely…. How many Penn State guys do we have?
Jason Scott_90 - January 2, 2012
I think a lot of us are on board with that
Agent J 78 - January 2, 2012
He also mentioned Brian Billick as an option
His main spiel was that Miami will cast a “wide net” to get a HC. He also mentioned that getting a QB was a priority, but that he thought Moore had done enough to be the starter in 2012. He said that Flynn could be an option, but if it came down to Moore or Flynn, the Dolphins would probably go with Moore. So it seemed to me, that Volin believes that we will either go with Moore or draft a guy; that we won’t go the FA route.
The Earl - January 2, 2012
How about go with Moore AND draft a guy?
Or would that make too much sense?
phinsphan85 - January 2, 2012
I agree with that, but I think Volin was talking about if we traded up and making that guy a starter
The Earl - January 2, 2012
Not sure I agree with Moore over Flynn....
but everything is very fluid right now, obviously.
urbino - January 2, 2012
Mosul add this
Fisher set to interview with us
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7415807/source-jeff-fisher-set-interview-miami-dolphins-st-louis-rams
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
Buy that man a drink!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
I don't drink
I’ll take a root beer though
Kdog92 - January 4, 2012
Sorry to break the rythym of coaching talk, but I have a quick question.....
For the last few days, whenever I come to the site, the whole right side with fanshots and fanposts is not there, its just blank. Its there when I pull up th esite from my Iphone, but not from my PC. Is this happening to anyone else, or is this only a problem for me? And if it is me, does anyone know how to fix this? Sorry to go off topic….
Brantner78 - January 2, 2012
Man I have no idea. You can always use the tabs at the top of the page to get to them.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Interesting.
First time I have heard about this.
If anyone else is having this issue, please let me know and I will ask SBN about it.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Yep
I’ve seen it as well.
Miamimaniac - January 2, 2012
Yes!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
I'm having a problem with my laptop too
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
What browser are you guys using?
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Internet Explorer
Kdog92 - January 2, 2012
Wow! Do you also get around town in a Pinto?
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Ill have you know that my Chevy Nova runs just fine, thank you very much....
Brantner78 - January 2, 2012
Hey the Nova was a damn fine car.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Same!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
Yeah, Explorer....
Brantner78 - January 2, 2012
You might want to think about updating to one that does not work like crap.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Firefox resolved it....
Brantner78 - January 2, 2012
Yeah Firefox is the way to go for sure. Much faster too. You will be happy with your decision.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Firefox
Appears to have fixed the issue.
Miamimaniac - January 2, 2012
Bingo.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Firefox is for sissies and small children.
Chrome is the way to go.
urbino - January 2, 2012
I have Chrome but it conflicts with some of the functions on this site for some reason so.................
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Heh.
Me, too. I use Firefox here. But, in general, Chrome whups it.
urbino - January 2, 2012
Yeah I have them bother. I removed explorer.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
Bingo, Mosul...
Its an Internet Explorer thing. When I get on using Mozilla, the problem is fixed. Good man, Sherlock Holmes. Ill put in for a raise for you….
Brantner78 - January 2, 2012
Guess I better get Mozilla again LOL
phinsphan85 - January 2, 2012
Firefox is great.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
I use Chrome
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
I always have issues if I try and use some of the functions on the site via Chrome.
texascowpunk - January 2, 2012
I like Sinsemilla, or Red Hair... California gold is special too....
Tai sticks anyone?
Anyone?
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
No Alphas this is not a weed barter site.
texascowpunk - January 3, 2012
wow sometime between 24-248 hours!!!!! Oh man =P
Rytackle - January 2, 2012
Yup.
That’s right. (Stupid fat fingers….)
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
haha it's all good.
I’m not a fan of Fisher, i would rather have Billick
Rytackle - January 2, 2012
I think Ross is in a little bit of a conundrum here
Heres what we know. Obviously Ross’ first and biggest priority is to sell tickets. From his perspective it is unacceptable to have to buy up tickets like he did this season so that games will be aired locally. For all his faults as an owner we should be grateful for him doing this. Most owners wouldn’t have. So he needs to find a head coach with “flash” and one who sparks the enthusiasm of the fanbase.
However he is adament in his loyalty to Ireland. I highly doubt that any of the formerly tenured Head Coaches ( including Eric Mangini; with the possible exeptions of Josh McDaniels and Raheem Morris) will be willing to subordinate themselves to Ireland. Brian Billick has even said that he won’t go to a team that doesn’t allow him full managerial powers. I believe Jon Gruden is probably in the same boat as Cowher and Sherman may also be. Even if they are willing, Ireland is such an unknown in the buisness that I think he limits who will coach in Miami and probably eliminates those candidates.
So I look at what candidates generate the most “spark” of the coordinators. Of them all I think Rob Ryan (who is out of the question due to him simply being a Ryan brother and this being South Florida) and Rob Chudzinski are the “hottest” candidates. More so then Carmichael, Schotty, Fewell, Bruce Arians e.t.c.
civwarbuff - January 2, 2012
Any chance we drop Ireland now that Polian is on the market?
urbino - January 2, 2012
Let's hope so. Polian is really really good.
ct1361 - January 2, 2012
Indeed.
urbino - January 2, 2012
??? What's Shula up to??? Did great with another rookie QB
Like a wedding something old something new and this season blue
DPHIN - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Expected to become a OC this year
Either replacing Chudzinski when he leaves or going with Chudzinski as his OC.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
So he might end up in Miami...
The Earl - January 2, 2012
yes
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Im assuming you mean Mike
not Dave Lol.
civwarbuff - January 2, 2012
Dave would be great to bad cloning is illegal
DPHIN - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Don sorry
DPHIN - January 2, 2012 via mobile
and yes the Panthers are lucky to have him.
However elevating him to OC creates a problem in the vacancy at Quarterback coach. In the NFL you hate to change a Quarterback’s position coach when he is so young and Shula taking on both responsibilities creates obvious problems as evidenced by Josh McDaniels this season in St. Louis.
civwarbuff - January 2, 2012
Schotty is good for regular season winning % but PLAYOFFS that's another story l
DPHIN - January 2, 2012 via mobile
No to Mike Pettine...not impressed!
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
This
Rytackle - January 2, 2012
I like Chud as an OC but is he too nice to be a HC......
AKA Cam????
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
Personally I like Fisher or Dave Taub!
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
Sorry .....Toub!
MassFinFan65 - January 2, 2012
I'm wondering if the anouncement about satisfying the Rooney Rule...
Means that we are planning on making an announcement in the next 24 hours….
Jason Scott_90 - January 2, 2012
It does at least allow us to start making offers
And with Fisher expected to be interviewed in the next 24-48 hours, that could by why we did the Bowles interview so early. Knock it out and then offer Fisher a deal so he doesn’t leave Miami.
Kevin Nogle - January 2, 2012
Doesn't Mike Pettine look a little like Cold Stone Steve Austin?
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
... and Rob Chudzinski looks like the biggest nerd I have *ever* seen... kinda like the head nerd from the movie Revenge of the Nerds, right?
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
Can i have sum fries garson!
wild zion beaver - January 3, 2012
Any more updates..??
Alpha6 - January 3, 2012
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