Ross Defines Some Powers Of New General Manager
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – After public pressure was reaching a crescendo, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross sought to clarify exactly what the job of a new general manager would entail.
Thursday evening, Ross released a statement that clarified some parts of the job, but left two big questions remaining that could still jeopardize the Dolphins' chances of hiring a top-notch general manager.
"The new General Manager will have autonomous responsibility for the 53-man roster and selecting players during the draft and will report to me," Ross wrote in the statement. "Regardless of reporting structure, the relationship between the General Manager and Coach Philbin must be one of trust, respect, and collaboration, and this will be an area we will look closely at during the process."
What Ross didn't clarify was whether or not the new general manager will enough control to fire either Dolphins executive vice-president Dawn Aponte or head coach Joe Philbin. If that is indeed the case, it would likely hinder a GM search as most GM's like to bring a coach with them.
Assisting Ross in the search for a new general manager will be former Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson. The ex-Chief's boss has been long-time friends with Ross, but the Dolphins owner stressed Peterson is not joining the franchise once a general manager is hired.
"I look forward to advising Steve through this search and I am confident that he will add an outstanding candidate with a proven track record in talent evaluation to the Dolphins," Ross said.
The Dolphins said it would release a list of general manager candidates Friday, but an early list from CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald includes: Brian Gaine, Ray Farmer, Lake Dawson, Marc Ross, and Omar Khan, all high-ranking personnel minds with the Dolphins, Browns, Titans, Giants, and Steelers respectively.
