The Dolphins last night officially announced Pro Football HOFer Dan Marino "has accepted a position" in the team's front office and will "serve as a special advisor" to both Owner Stephen Ross and President & CEO Tom Garfinkel, according to Adam Beasley of the MIAMI HERALD. Marino will "have no formal role in the team's personnel or coaching departments," and his "primary involvement will be on the business side." However, he is "willing to provide input whenever -- and wherever -- asked, football operations included." Marino had "been in talks with the franchise about a formal role for months, although his responsibilities are still not clearly defined." He has been an "increasingly visible figure within the organization, popping in on practices and games, and representing the franchise in the Bahamas in the spring." Unlike his "abbreviated stint with the franchise" in '04, this is "not believed to be a short-term hire" (MIAMI HERALD, 8/25). In Ft. Lauderdale, Omar Kelly writes Marino's new role "puts him in Ross’ circle of trust," and he will be "responsible for helping to re-brand" the Dolphins. The position does not give Marino the "same power and control" as Broncos Exec VP/Football Operations John Elway, but he now "has the owner’s ear on a regular basis, and will be in a position where he can guide Ross when it comes to making better football decisions." Marino’s presence and voice "should add some clout and football insight" to Ross' circle of advisers (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 8/25). In West Palm Beach, Andrew Abramson notes Marino's interest in joining the team "grew earlier this year after he lost his job as panelist on 'The NFL Today' on CBS." The team "chose to keep Marino’s announcement low key and did not hold a news conference to formally reintroduce him as part of the franchise" (PALM BEACH POST, 8/25).
