Report: Decisions Of Fins Staff Could Come This Week
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – As the Miami Dolphins completed an epic late-season collapse against the New York Jets last Sunday, owner Stephen Ross became so upset he turned away from the game because he could no longer watch.
Ross has reportedly been meeting with his top advisers since then and a decision on the fate of several members of the staff and a decision on any staff changes could come as early as Thursday.
Of the people currently on staff with the Fins, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and general manager Jeff Ireland are both considered to be in serious jeopardy. Head coach Joe Philbin, who said he hasn't spoken with Ross about his job, is likely to be brought back for at least one more season.
Sherman drew fan scorn for an abysmal offense that often abandoned the running game early in games. Sherman also reportedly lost the confidence of quarterback Ryan Tannehill late in the 2013 season.
Ireland has drawn fan scorn for years in Miami after being unable to put together a winning roster. The Dolphins haven't been above .500 since Ireland was answering to Bill Parcells with the team in 2008, also the team's last playoff berth.
Ross spent more than $100 million in guaranteed money during the past offseason to upgrade the roster, but Ireland's moves didn't produce a playoff berth and the team still lacks any semblance of an offensive line.
The Dolphins, who finished 8-8, were on the verge of earning the final AFC wild-card berth before being outscored 39-7 while losing their last two games to the Buffalo Bills and Jets, two non-playoff teams. If the Dolphins had won either game, they would have made the postseason for the first time since 2008.
Miami had four victories over teams that made the playoffs, but also lost three games to last-place teams. In addition to inconsistency on the field, Miami had its season nearly derailed by a locker-room bullying scandal that drew national scrutiny and remains under NFL investigation.
During the upcoming offseason, the Dolphins must find two starting offensive tackles and at least one starting offensive guard to rebuild the offensive line. The Fins must also re-sign Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes, along with making decisions on several key free agents.
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