Biggest fear!

[MikeO]

Ireland does not get a fresh slate for having Sparano fired.

No. But if this season plays out as we all think (6-8 wins, get lucky maybe 9) Ireland also isn't going anywhere either so who cares if this year is labeled as a "fresh rebuilding" job or a "continuation of an existing rebuilding job"

[Fins4ever]

It had Ireland and Sparano's players.  Many of Sparano's players are gone (Gates, Hilliard, etc).  Its not all about who picked the players, its about the leadership of the team.

I'd argue that ANY time you get a new coach, unless its a hire-from-within, you're starting all over.

I agree with that. Each HC brings in his own system and philosophy. In this case the differences between Parcells / Sparano and Philbin could not be more opposite. How in the hell is a GM supposed to plan for that?

When Sparano was fired and Philbin came in, we started completely over. 

[MikeO]

When Sparano was fired and Philbin came in, we started completely over. 

Yep. And if we had signed Fisher we would have kept with more of a Sparano ball control run-first philosophy.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I agree with that. Each HC brings in his own system and philosophy. In this case the differences between Parcells / Sparano and Philbin could not be more opposite. How in the hell is a GM supposed to plan for that?

When Sparano was fired and Philbin came in, we started completely over. 

Also drafting Tannehill.  You have to figure in about 3 years for a rookie QB to truly get comfortable with this WR and the system.  Best case for the Dolphins would be Tannehill hitting his stride to coincided with a Brady retirement.