Michael Silver of the NFL Network reports that Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland and HC Joe Philbin are unlikely to survive this season.
“Unlike that scandal (the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal), where ownership stood resolutely behind Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis, Jeff Ireland, the general manager, and head coach, Joe Philbin, in league circles, are not expected to survive this,” Silver said, via NFL.com. “Jeff Ireland already has the reputation in league circles for being a guy who ‘we can’t believe he still has his job.’ They’re 4-4, but there’s clearly a void here. Expect somebody to pay.”
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio confirms that Philbin and Ireland are in danger of losing their jobs, but adds that a playoff birth could be enough to make this a much harder decision for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
Miami signed Ireland to an extension earlier this year after starting off the season 3-0, but it appears as though that alone won’t be enough to save his job now that the team is caught up in a serious bullying investigation.
It will be interesting to see if Miami is able to build off their Week 9 win over Cincinnati and get back into the hunt for a playoff spot. Otherwise, a change in leadership becomes a much easier offseason decision.
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