Dolphins Next Head Coach Could Rest On Ireland's Shoulders

Author:  Bruce Lamb

Now that the dust has settled a little from the Fisher decision, the Dolphins continue their search for a head coach.  Based on what many reports say, the reason Fisher chose the Rams over Miami is because Stephen Ross wouldn't allow Fisher to have more power than Ireland over the final roster.  A move that made clear where Ross is putting his confidence.  He basically chose Ireland over Fisher.  He tried to get the big name and failed, now he's depending on the guy he backed to come through with a homerun.  No hire is going to win a press conference, but hiring a coach that can win is now Ireland's main priority. 

The next coach is going to be who Ireland wants, not who Ross wants.  It's rumored that Mike Zimmer is the leading candidate, and Miami could move fast to land him.  It's no surprize that Zimmer leads the list, he's one of the hottest coordinators out there. What is interesting, is when you start to read between the lines and start connecting some dots.  Ireland and Zimmer were both with the Cowboys from 2001-2006.  During those years Zimmer was the defensive coordinator.  His 2003 squad led the NFL in yds allowed, and he also showed the ability to run a 4-3 and 3-4 defense, having switched to the 3-4 once Parcells arrived.  Showing the ability to run either defense is a huge plus, as Miami has a couple questions to answer on the defensive line.  Also, hiring a defensive coach may make the probable departure of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan hurt a little less. 

Another dot that could be connected is what may happen to the offense.  Current offensive coordinator Brian Daboll may not be someone who Zimmer prefers.  Although the offense did play well the second half of the season, another, more attractive offensive coordinator may work better with Zimmer.  Ireland could go after Todd Haley, who also worked in Dallas while both Ireland and Zimmer were there.  He was the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator from 2004-2006.  He also played a big role in the development of Tony Romo.  From there Haley went to Arizona to be the offensive coordinator from 2007-2008.  In the second season Haley called the plays, and that year the Arizona Cardinals appeared in their only Super Bowl.  Haley could run the entire offense and Zimmer could put most of his focus on the defense.  This is a pair I would feel pretty good about. 

Hiring a defensive coach won't be what most fans want.  Offenses put butts in seats, but now that the NFL playoffs have made it to the conference championship games, it's mostly the defensive teams that still remain.  The San Francisco 49ers were able to slow down the New Orleans Saints just enough to advance to play at home in the NFC Championship.  They will be playing host to the New York Giants, who used their defense to slow down Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packer offense that seemed unstoppable most of the year.  Two of the most potent offenses in the NFL were done in by defensive teams.  In the AFC the Baltimore Ravens fit into that category as well, defeating the Houston Texans.  The Texans also had a stout defense this season, but the offense was doomed to come up short after losing the starting QB Matt Schaub and his backup Matt Linert.  New England is the lone offensive team left in the field.  They cruised past the Denver Broncos.  Despite how well the Bronco defense played the past weeks, the Patriots pretty much had their way with Denver's defense.  The Ravens defense matches up well against the Patriots, having won the last time these two teams met in the playoffs in New England 33-14. 

So out of the teams remaining, 3 of them rely heavily on their defense, while 1 relies on it's offense.  The most balanced of the 4 is the New York Giants, who also have a pretty solid offense.  Could the results of this season, with the high powered offenses falling short in the playoffs to defensive teams change up the draft a little for Miami?  Would they pass on trading up to try and get a franchise quarterback that everyone says you need?  When you look at Matt Moore, would you say he compares pretty well to Alex Smith or Joe Flacco?  His numbers are pretty close, but the defenses those two played with were better than the one Moore had.  The Miami Dolphins lost 5 games when they had the lead in the 4th quarter.  Some of the blame is put on Matt Moore for not being able to finish games, but some of that blame needs to be put on the defense.  Getting an elite pass rusher to line up opposite Cameron Wake may make more sense with the number 8 or 9 pick.  I have a feeling we have another draft like that to look forward to, no exciting names that catch or throw touchdowns, more likely a name of someone that tries to prevent that. 

If Zimmer is hired, this looks like the direction Ireland will go.  If the defense improves it's pass rush, Haley can do enough with Moore and this offense to score enough points to win games next season.  We'll see what happens over the next few days.   

Phins Up!

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