Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross yesterday fired coach Tony Sparano, but GM Jeff Ireland was retained and will remain "in charge of all football matters," according to Ben Volin of the PALM BEACH POST. Ross said that the search for Sparano's "permanent replacement will begin immediately." Ross added that he and Ireland will "perform the search." Ross "shot down rumors that he had considered turning over the football operation to his friend and business partner, Carl Peterson," the former Chiefs President. Ross "emphasized that Ireland, not Peterson or anyone else, will be the boss" (PALM BEACH POST, 12/13). In Miami, Barry Jackson cites sources as saying that Ross would "like to hire a big name, a proven winner who would get fans excited." Ross said yesterday, "When you’re winning, it’s a lot easier to sell tickets." His priority is "hiring a star coach, regardless of what side of the ball is his specialty." And a source said that "money will not be an impediment" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/13). ESPN's Chris Mortensen said, "The big question is are they going to look for a big name coach like Bill Cowher or will they simply have a search and end up with the best possible candidate” ("Monday Night Countdown," ESPN, 12/12). In Ft. Lauderdale, Shandel Richardson wrote now is the "perfect opportunity for the Dolphins to make a splash." It is time to "hire someone that brings instant credibility" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 12/12). ESPN's Trey Wingo said of the next Dolphins coach, “Miami is always looking for the big splash. They’ve got to sell it as more than just a game. They’ve got to make it an entertainment thing in South Florida" ("NFL Live," ESPN, 12/12). Meanwhile, in Ft. Lauderdale, Dave Hyde notes Ireland is the "biggest decision Ross will make as an owner." The GM is the "most important player in any pro franchise." Coaching "matters in various ways, depending on the sport." But coaching "hasn't been the primary problem in the 11 seasons since this team last won a playoff game." Hyde: "Drafting has been. An over-reliance on free agency and the owners' dollars have been" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 12/13).
CHIEFS SEE NO POINT IN WAITING: In K.C., Adam Teicher notes Chiefs Chair & CEO Clark Hunt and GM Scott Pioli decided it was "better to fire" coach Todd Haley now than "wait until the end of the season." Pioli "didn't dodge a share of the blame for the Chiefs' predicament." Pioli: "There is accountability on my part as well. I made the decision. Clark gave me the ability to make the decision on a head coach. We’re at a place where this didn’t work out. I need to be held accountable. I will be held accountable." Hunt was "clear that Pioli will continue to be a key part of the Chiefs’ management team" (K.C. STAR, 12/13). Also in K.C., Sam Mellinger writes now "we get to see, once and perhaps for all, whether Pioli is the golden-boy personnel guru from his Super Bowl-winning days in New England or just one more poser taking credit and fame off the glow of Bill Belichick’s star." Mellinger: "Firing Haley is a meaningless delay tactic if Pioli doesn’t accept and reflect on his part of the Chiefs’ current mess. ... How Pioli makes it through this very personal inner conflict will decide how his time in Kansas City ends" (K.C. STAR, 12/13).
