Why Ireland is safe

[MikeO]

One of these  reporters on Miami radio this morning is saying the reason why Ireland is safe and will keep his job is because he showed Ross the files on the 2008 draft. And Parcells and Sparano had Long rated ahead of Matt Ryan. Ireland had Ryan ranked higher than Long and he would have taken him if he had control. Also, in 2009 Ireland had Pat White rated low and Parcells called the pick of him in Rd 2. In Ross's eyes these 2 things saved Ireland......for now!! lol

[MikeO]

From Saturday's Miami Herald

One factor that helped Jeff Ireland is the Dolphins know he was not responsible for some of the personnel blunders. As WFTL's Orlando Alzugaray noted Friday, it was David Lee who advocated the Pat White pick (with Bill Parcells' support) but Ireland had to be convinced, and it was Lee and Dan Henning who pushed for Chad Henne (Ireland/Parcells then agreed). Parcells wanted several free agent signings (Gibril Wilson, Jake Grove, etc.). But Parcells and Ireland both wanted Patrick Turner.

[Dave Gray]

I was talking with my brother the other day about Ireland and accountability in general.  I don't know exactly which man is responsible for which job in this organization.  I'd like more clearly defined roles, so that when I'm unhappy with an aspect of the organization, I can take appropriate action.

Then, on to Ireland -- everyone (inside and outside of the Dolphins) seems to think that he's a good personnel guy.  I hear people speak highly of him all the time (outside the "Is your mom a prostitute thing.)  I don't, however, know what they're basing it on.  I'm not even saying that he's done a poor job.  It's just unclear to me what, exactly, he has done.

[MikeO]

Sounds like the first 3 years in Miami Ireland had little say in who was drafted or signed. The fact it has now come public that he was against Pat White and not so high on Henne and he wanted Matt Ryan makes him look a lot better.

Sparano is on a super short leash. Ireland's leash isn't much longer. Ireland has more control now, so if we stink next year he will get blown out of here too probably.

[fyo]

According to comments by the Trifecta last year (unless I'm COMPLETELY misremembering), all personnel decisions were "combined" efforts... basically a vote. Parcells would stay out and just be the swing vote in case of disagreement between Sparano and Ireland. Of course, given that he was their boss, Parcells *could* always have the final say, but it did seem at the time that the responsibilities were a bit muddled. Gotta admit I thought it sounded solid at the time...

[MikeO]

I want to know who cut Erik Walden middle of the year this year?

Guy had 16 tackles vs Chicago Week 17 and was NFC Defensive Player of the week. Today vs philly he was a beast. Best defensive player on the field for GB behind Clay and Woodson.  And he is a special teams monster.

Yet he wasn't good enough to hold a roster spot on our Fins? Whoever cut him should be fired!

[Pappy13]

^^ This is what I'm talking about.  Sparano and company don't seem to get much from players and then they go somewhere else and suddenly start producing.  That's coaching 101 folks.  They aren't recognizing a guys strengths and putting him into positions to succeed and helping them fix weaknesses in their game.  It's very difficult to determine if it's a lack of ability on the part of the player or a lack of proper use and preperation on the part of the coaching staff.  I think it's more likely a lack of proper coaching than of proper evaluation of the talent.  I don't think there's anyone that doesn't see potential in a lot of Dolphins players, but that's all they seem to have is potential.  Sooner or later the coaching staff has to start getting production out of all that potential.

[Phishfan]

Walden had one good game this season and you inflated his stats on that even. How is something like that helpful to your point?

[MikeO]

Walden had one good game this season and you inflated his stats on that even. How is something like that helpful to your point?

He was defensive player of the week in Week 17. And he had 3 sacks in that game.