Once you get past the whining over leaving a coach in limbo and recognize that this is big business and not for sissies and stop comparing this to your own situation with your own boss or employees (which it is not), and also get past your love for Tony Sparano the man ... and thus remove all the emotion of the moment ... as well as realize that this is a Billion dollar, cutthroat business in which a team not only needs the big TV money it needs a strong fan base ... then rationality recognizes Ross did what he had to do. Ross wants enthusiasm from the fans (Miami is among the leagues worst - the stadium consistently has empty seats even early in the season in spite of the smoke & mirrors statistic the league calls "paid attendance") and a winning product on the field. The fact is, even at 7-9, the Dolphins product is painful to watch. It would be one thing to be 7-9 and kicking butt in several games, showing signs of big plays, big scores (how about a 38-7 WIN every now and then where your offense puts up 500 yards? And the defense dominates?). Even at 7-9, fans might say, "Hey we lost 3-4 super close games, were robbed in one (23-22 Pitt), and we can turn around and be great!" But, 14-18 the past two seasons with an offense that cannot score effectively (the Dolphins were 3rd worst in scoring this year), it is painful to watch. One can blame whomever they want - the bottom line is the product is bad. And, Tony Sparano is the most important person with respect to that product on the field. He's not the one solely responsible but he's still principally responsible. That's not to say individual players are not culpable as well. However, we all have no trouble looking at players and saying, "He's not doing his job very well, draft a guy who will or sign a free agent who will." We may disagree about which player is or is not getting it done, but no fan or coach or GM has any qualms about chasing after new blood at a position, even with an incumbent still on the team. If Brian Urlacher (or Patrick Willis) miraculously became available, for example, and the Dolphins went after him, no one would complain (Oh, there will always be the contrarians - but just pick the player you think is a great ILB and insert his name) about what Miami is doing to Channing Crowder by courting Urlacher or Willis. And, if they signed the guy and released Crowder - fine. It's a business. It's about getting better. Tony Sparano has been a decent coach. Many players seem to like him but many others have their issues. However, players aren't walking out to the media and saying, "Wow, I've never learned so much about football from anyone like I have from coach Sparano, he doesn't let a thing get past him" - as players are wont to do with Belichick. It's pretty clear, Sparano is not a brilliant tactician (even his clock management is problematic at times). So, Ross had a choice - the market for coaches was not extensively fruitful. Just bringing in a former SB winning coach is historically non-successful as far as winning titles. Sparano was still under contract and may have been the 3rd or 4th best option to Ross. Harbaugh, on the other hand, has NFL experience, has run a pro style offense and elevated Stanford - a school that notoriously struggles to field a quality team b/c of the high academic standards - to a top 5 program. He also turned an average recruit into a potential # pick at QB. Further, not only does he have NFL experience coaching, he was a player for years and his brother has proven to be a solid coach as well. Though college coaches have not faired well with the leap to the pros in recent years, Harbaugh is uniquely different from most of those because of these factors. Ross basically made a decision to pursue the Harbaugh possibility before releasing Sparano. To be sure, this thing happens in big corporate business every day. When tens or hundreds of millions or billions are on the line - no one is going to worry about "feelings" for a guy who's making 7 figures every year. Sparano's deal is guaranteeing him $10 million + over 4 years. That's aside from his having made a decent living already after years in the coaching profession and the fact that he'll likely coach again at the assistant level and make six figures for several more years. But, corporation heads may not be completely satisfied with a top executive; however, they are not going to release him unless they have someone they feel confident they can replace him with. But, with Harbaugh - even if a fan has a particular set of doubts - if Ross thought he was a potential long term, big time winner who would turn the team around, right the ship, return the Dolphins to their former Shula glory - but also didn't want to be saddled with no coach and with few others on the market he really liked or wanted to pay big $$ to - then he did what he should have done. Pursue the possibility of Harbaugh, talk with the guy, and yet don't get rid of Sparano in case the deal falls through. I have not been a fan of Ross since he took over the team. But, I appreciate what he has done in the fact that he is trying to field the best team possible - via head coach or GM or whatever. Even if one disagrees with a particular coaching choice, he's operating on a business side. And, when it came down to the end, Sparano was the best choice available. Sparano has to man up and say, "Alright, I wasn't the first choice. Well, that's understandable - my team went 7-9 the past two years. I could have been fired. I might have been their third or fourth choice as a coach - this is the business I have chosen - but now I have a job that will pay me another $5 million plus through 2013 on top of the $10 million plus I would have made - GUARANTEED (he is in the 99.999999999 percentile of people on the earth who can say that about their job) and I'm a head coach in the NFL which I love to do. I have been given a second chance, now I have to earn that money that, in essence, by the record my team had, I failed to fully earn the past two seasons. And all this for coaching a group of guys playing a game - who offer no real, appreciable societal benefit except carnal entertainment! I should be pinching myself!!!"
Nice post bro. I stil don't think it's over. I think Peterson will always be in Ross ear and trump anything Ireland says. I think Ireland was just used to try and get Harbaugh with his connection. Since that didn't play out, I can't think Ross has much need for either one and is doing damage control while Cowher or Gruden are contacted. I still don't think its over, if he's that shrewd of a businessman, I can't see him being contempt where he is at right now.
Listen while I appreciate all your thoughts I simple feel alot of us are doing anything we can now to make ourselves believe that this was the right decision because its our reality now. The fact of the matter is that Sparano has done NOTHING to deserve a contract extension, and we are not going to all the sudden be the RAMS of yesteryear. Way to many holes which this coach created. I wish him luck but I am not purchasing anything Dolphin Related until hes gone, hes a lame duck coach now you know it, I know it, and the players know it. Sparano knows it and will be overreacting to every situation. If this was all about business than he would have brought in a sexy name because the fans are not going to buy the Sparano experiment anymore. Next season the seats will be EMPTY and thats the reality of business. Bad move by ROSS.
i think that's whats upsetting more,the fact that after 3-4 failed attempts to get better we are back in the situation where we neeeed sporano.i wouldn't say he took the right course with any of it...once we get past the paragraph of reasons this situation was so f'd up....yea because even after this foul up going into next season with john fox or singletary or brad friggin childress would have been much worse.we are so friggin lucky sporano stuck around through all of this garbage it isn't even funny and it wouldv'e served ross right for tony to give him the finger and decline to stay.
That is an interesting notion Da'Fins "return the Dolphins to their former Shula glory". I say that because how can Ross do what Shula would not have done, and yet expect the same results that Shula had? That is what troubles me about this past week, not that Tony Sparano is some untouchable mastermind of a Head Coach as I consider him somewhat average as a Game Day Coach, not as bad as people would like to think, not as good as he could be, however the Franchise had made good progress under Sparano. I can recall vividly the 1-15 season and the aftermath when it was said "they have the worst talent in the league on that roster" to placing 2 starters in the pro bowl and shedding around 4 yrs of age per player on the roster, for all of the consternation about mediocrity I've noticed people also do not then notice the core of the team is quite young for example Vontae Davis is 22yrs old, Sean Smith is 23 Hartline is 22 etc. I've noticed over the last 5 season the one thing that the Dolphins Fanbase is lacking, in my view through a sense of entitlement, is Patience, how many "saviors" have been called for over that period of time? Nick Saban was haled as a conquering hero and the one who would "bring back the Shula Era" and fans basked in the SI prediction that we were a darkhorse to make the Super Bowl, alas, that particular "Shula Like" Head Coach pulled the plug on his time in Miami with about 5 weeks left in the 2006 season. We are in a far tougher version of the AFC East than Shula dealt with during his glory days in Miami, consider for 17 season the only other team that had made a Super Bowl from the AFCE was the Jets in 1969 all the way to the Patriots in 1985, now the Patriots are 3 time SB winners and the Jets made it to the AFC title game twice in the last 13 seasons. And through all of that time there have been a mountain of quick fixes tried, and for the last 18 seasons only 1 AFC Championship game appearance to show for it. And through all of that time the one thing that has not been tried is..Patience. And before we idealize the past, and think Harbaugh "could have been" I'd like to remind you that Don Shula, the Don, Perfect Season Shula, was run out of Miami on a rail after a disappointing season so the first "savior" Head Coach, Jimmy Johnson could be hired.
I only use the "glory of Shula" in a metaphorical sense - winning a championship and restoring Miami to prominence as one of the top franchises in the NFL. It was that between 1970 and 1985 or so but hasn't been that since. But, sometimes the right guy in the right place turns things around. Belichick in New England was just that - and that was actually viewed at the time as a mediocre choice since he had only been that in Cleveland. But, he will forever be a folk hero in Boston. Same is with Saban and Alabama. While Nick failed here, Alabama went after him full force hoping he would restore the team to the dominant program it once was. He has done just that. This is the first 10 win three straight season stretch they've had since the days of Bear Bryant. I'm not saying Sparano is going to be successful. Nor that he's a great choice. But, the options available just aren't that great. Everyone wants Cowher and he would have injected some energy; but, former SB winning coaches don't get it done. And, he wanted full control. So, do you want to turn your franchise over to his complete control? I just think right now the Dolphins are in a tough spot. Losing team. Horrific offense. Not a ton of great options for coaches or GMs out there; and they've made so many changes in the past 15 years that they need some organizational stability (hence, keeping Ireland). I don't know that Ross could have done anything that would make the team that much better than they will be.
How many excuses do we need to make in the name of patience and stability though Padre? Are we going to grant him more time if he's 7-9 again? You told me you liked the Giants model. No playoffs 3 straight seasons and you're gone. I'm holding you to that. Nothing short of the playoffs is acceptable. No excuses. I don't care who your QB is. If you only make the playoffs 1 out of 4 years the foundation you built isn't good enough
Nice right up. And while I appreciate you opinion, I just don't agree. I will never be convinced that Ross took the right course, and, imo, only those who forever walk around in their aqua and orange glasses could support Ross in his shenanigans this week. And it has nothing to do with comparing it to my life or the situation with my boss. It has to do with comparing him to how every other owner goes about the process. They fire the current coach and then look for the replacement. But I guess you are right and every media person who I've heard chime in on this is wrong. Whatever, it's done now and it can't be taken back. The Miami Dolphins are currently the laughing stock of the NFL. Thanks Ross. Besides all that, if you believe the reports of yesterday, we probably could've had Bill Cowher as our coach right now if Ross did things the right way. Instead we now have a coach who has already been clipped at the knees and, in all probability, will have a tough time getting much respect in the locker room. Hopefully I'm wrong about that, because if I'm right 2011 is gonna be long season. The only silver lining being a certain QB named Andrew Luck.
I agree that we shouldn't feel sorry for Sparano. I disagree he is the best choice or that he should have been extended. I doubt Harbaugh was the only upgrade potentially available, as a matter of fact I know he wasn't.
Turning around and extending Sparano is also the absolute worst thing Ross could do. For the team and the fans. You say Ross needs to infuse energy into the fan base and that's partly why he did what he did this week? Well, by going back to Sparano after everything that happened is going to do the exact opposite. I have a feeling we will be playing "home games" in 2011 in front of mostly opposing team fans. It will the like Jets week every week, but worse.
For me Da'Fins, I think Ross simply should have said publicly that is he is comitted to winning and everything and anything is on the table to help Coach Sparano win football games, he should have given a nod to how tough the AFCE is, and how sometimes things are outside of control (Stealers Game), and moved from there. Would not have hurt to mention Marshall and Dansby were added for a cool 30 million dollars in upfront money. The problem I had with Ross and Ireland going on their west coast joy ride is that it tore down the Structure that Bill Parcells had put into place, the template of Consistency in approach and a Culture of Winning, the Parcells vision was for Miami to be a good team every yr that had great seasons sometime every 3 yrs, Ross rejected that and went cowboy out to the West Coast to chase yet another hot named Head Coach who more or less spurned the Dolphins Franchise twice in one week. I think that was one advantage to Joe Robbie owning the team, he understood the business and he had no desire to be a flashy owner, for him it was his livelihood, an owner who understands that and approaches this as doing business, coupled with the S Florida Heat, was one of the keys to Shula's success and longevity in Miami. Since Shula was forced out on a rail, the Head Coaches that came after him are seeing their time in Miami shrink in terms of time of service, JJ was at 4 seasons (96-99) Wanny 4 seasons (2000-03.5) Saban 2 seasons (05-06) Cameron at 1 season (07) That is why I say "patience", that is the one thing that has not been tried.
That clearly wasn't happening. So Parcells couldn't even get his own vision to work. I'm not entirely unconvinced Ross didn't do all of this to try to rally support for Sparano. A Vince McMahon type move as I said in the other thread. It clearly worked. Everybody is forgetting the train wreck that was this past week. They've already forgotten the team quitting on Sparano last Sunday. Any fan that still watches this team after the past 15 years is clearly patient.
I think that is a fair standard given that the Roster has "his" guys on it by now, however it is also fair to say that Chad Henne may not have panned out, I know I certainly do not trust him as the Qb of the Miami Dolphins, with the lockout looming it will be nearly impossible to find another Qb in the interim between now and the kickoff of the 2011 NFL season. But still, "if" I know that, Sparano should know that, if he does not plan on doing something, even starting Tom Brandestater, and we have another .500 season then Sparano really should be dismissed, which is why I favored a 1 yr, sink or swim extension not 2yrs. I believe Sparano allowed his vision to be clouded by Chad Pennington, he only saw the positives not the negatives, as a fan "we" can do that, as a Head Coach he could not afford that risk.
Well disagree, this should be a playoff season upcoming as we did make it in 08, 2011 is the "third" yr.
7-9 is not a 'good' team and a team that gets bounced in the first round of the playoffs is not a 'great' team. So I can't agree that this vision has been anywhere near being implemented. We certainly could make the playoffs next year if we had a coach that had shown even the slightest ability to develop a young QB. I'm not saying Chad Henne is some great QB but they certainly never seemed to be doing him any favors. They lacked the ability to coach him up even slightly. It seems you get more enjoyment out of 7-9 than I do.
Well, I kind of agree, Henne has not been developed, that is what it is, however, and this is the huge part, a good Head Coach can find other ways to win games consistently, and for me this is the test for Sparano. Consistently good special teams that make plays, I've watched the Ravens make plays in that phase of the game every time I've watched them, and dominant, ball hawking defense, and of course mental discipline, not beating yourself. As Dolfans we naturally focus on the Qb position, there are other means to win ball games the 2nd Jets game was a great example, Fields had over 500 yds punting and minimal offensive production.
I'm glad things got shaken up, to the point players may have believed it safe to vent openly, about plaguing issues, that otherwise would have remained buried. Conflicts possibly ignored but hardly forgotten, brushed under the rug until next season, when the infection would simply resurface, and begin festering all over again. Internal issues needed to be resolved, downed lines of communication restored, and all their associated divisive, season crippling hatchets buried. I just hope they haven't forged new ones.
i don't know if keeping sporano was the worst thing he did,we could be sitting here talking about john fox our new hc or chilly or cable god forbid but i did not like the handling of that either.so basically on this new negoiated deal sporano kinda got screwed again because he is still making peanust comepared to what they were offering to pay the other coaches only for one extended year with a 6 million dollar buyout which meens if sporano comes out and tanks the next 3 games he could be fired right then and there(only good part is sporano still gets paid).then they have the balls to tell him ok you want more player control you got it...um..err but ireland still has final say.thats not more player control in my book.ross is covering his *** in the cheapest way possible but hey if tony is happy with that deal then so be it.
agree with 95 percent of your post Da Fins dont agree with not many coaches out there. There are plent of good college coaches and cordinators out there that would die for this job. Ross had his eyes set on 1 guy which put all the power with harbaugh - ross went with the sexy pick instead of the best man for the job - bring in 10 15 guys and interview them mabey just mabey someone would blow ya away thats how ya get the best man for the job - but we will never know now. Ross had a chance to get his own guy instead of staying with someone elses guy for more of the same ole. I would have loved for Ross to bring in June Jones yeah yeah he didnt do that good his first time around in the Nfl - so he went the college ranks and turned around 2 programs (Hawaii and SMU) and if someone can turn around SMU then they deserve another chance, atleast take a look at him for OC. another guy I like is Pat Fitzgerald of a coach can consistantly win at North Western with their acedemics standards then give him a chance. Just some thoughts
Well, I don't really think we can speak that positively over Robbie. He simply got fortunate. The day Shula arrived, the Dolphins were one of the best teams in the league going 10-4 and making the playoffs. The second year, 10-3-1, win one of the greatest playoff games (and The longest game) in history against the Chiefs and get to the SB. They win the SB the next two seasons. The rest is history. I have no doubt that had Sparano had a Shula-like run these last three seasons (or a Belichick run in New England - SB title in his second season), no owner, be it Huizenga or Ross, would have any trouble being a "hands off owner." And, Bill Parcells would still be in the Dolphins front office. Parcells left b/c he saw the writing on the wall. I do agree that a team's leadership (GM/Coach) needs time. But, I also think that Ross had good reason to be skeptical about Sparano - whom he inherited. It wasn't like the team has gradually improved the past 3 seasons or shown signs of only being a player or two away. If the Dolphins 7 wins had been filled with some dominant wins to go with their close losses (with some 35-14 scores) then we could really have some positives to look forward to. Let's put it this way. Robert Kraft had Pete Carroll for three seasons. Carroll went 10-6, 9-7, 8-8 (made the playoffs the first two seasons). Kraft fired him and went with Belichick. That was the greatest ownership move of the past 20 years. So, I understand Ross wanting to investigate Harbaugh.
Why did we get rid off Mularkey and Capers again?..Parcells leaving..Saban leaving, Jimmy Johnson quitting, Shula not being able to win a championship during the tenure of one of the best QB'S of all time?. When is someone going to look at the infrastructure of the miami culture and stadium...and force change.
I've supported Ross' moves all the way through the whole thing. Thought he did a great job of attempting to upgrade the franchise. I just hope we don't really regret not pulling the trigger and getting Harbaugh down here. If he even equals his brother's success we may have failed at yet another franchise changing decision. Sparano with a new support staff may end up being a great coach though....... We all better hope!
We will now be relegated to fist pumps and cartwheels when we kick our field goals I have inside information that we will attempt to set an NFL record for the most field goals in a season this year
