digital7 Posted June 4 Report Share Posted June 4 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-dolstory04jun04,0,1348727.story?coll=sfla-sports-frontRick Spielman was never told that Dan Marino would be his boss when he was hired as Dolphins general manager, so it's fitting that his departure from the franchise occurred in a similarly awkward fashion.Spielman resigned Friday after 17 months largely because of what one source described as his poor "chemistry" with first-year coach Nick Saban.Two sources said Dolphins staff members were told Friday morning by Saban that Spielman would be leaving the franchise. That was news to Spielman, who the sources said wasn't in the building yet.Spielman's departure was considered imminent regardless of the circumstances behind the resignation. Spielman and Saban had a significant falling out two weeks ago that was never patched, two sources said.Plus, Saban refused to give Spielman a vote of confidence following April's draft and interviewed another executive (Tampa Bay's Ruston Webster) last month for what would have been a prominent front-office position. Webster stayed with the Buccaneers after receiving a promotion.Despite the resignation, the Dolphins are expected to honor the time remaining on Spielman's contract, which expires in 2007."The Dolphins organization appreciates the contributions Rick made during his tenure here," Saban said in a team-released statement. "I want to thank him for all of his assistance during the time we worked together and wish him the best of success in the future."A source said the Dolphins had contacted a Baltimore Ravens official as a potential Spielman replacement. The leading candidate is believed to be Director of Pro Personnel George Kokinis, who worked with Saban from 1991 to 1994 with the Cleveland Browns.Saban changed the way the Dolphins graded players this offseason to the system the Browns used when he was there. Saban interviewed Indianapolis' Chris Polian for a job in the Dolphins' personnel department earlier this offseason because the Colts use a similar grading system. Polian stayed in Indianapolis.Spielman, 42, was on thin ice after Saban's hiring in January. Spielman's power over personnel decisions was stripped when Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga gave Saban complete control of football operations."I want to thank Wayne Huizenga, Nick Saban, the Dolphin players, coaches, and staff, along with the South Florida community," Spielman said in a team-released statement. "I have a lot of fond memories of my time here and made a lot of friends. I hope the team goes on to have a great season."Spielman restructured the team's scouting department after being hired by then-coach Dave Wannstedt in the 2000 offseason. Spielman was promoted to general manager in January 2004 after the team had interviewed six other candidates for the position and was rebuffed by retired Green Bay executive Ron Wolf.Unbeknownst to Spielman upon accepting the job, Huizenga also had decided to hire Marino as his supervisor. Marino quit as a senior vice president after just three weeks, which was seemingly a harbinger to the team's subsequent 4-12 season.Spielman's tenure as general manager will largely be remembered for his trading a second-round draft pick to Philadelphia for quarterback A.J. Feeley, who hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations surrounding him entering last season. Gus Frerotte, who was signed as a free agent by Saban in March, is considered the front-runner to start at quarterback this season.Spielman also traded 2005 picks for tailback Lamar Gordon (third round) and wide receiver David Boston (sixth), both of whom spent almost all of last season on injured reserve. Spielman, though, did succeed in his goal of making the Dolphins' roster younger and enjoyed what may unfold as a solid 2004 draft.Although most franchises already have their front-office positions set for the 2005 season, Spielman is expected to draw job feelers from other teams. One potential suitor is Detroit, which was rebuffed by the Dolphins in their attempts to interview Spielman for a top personnel job several years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxgrooveericxx Posted June 5 Report Share Posted June 5 Goodbye..... digital7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trojanman Posted June 5 Report Share Posted June 5 bout fuckin time!!!!! they shouldve fired his ass as soon as Dave quit!!!guy knows nothing on how to handle trades and draft picks digital7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digital7 Posted June 5 Author Report Share Posted June 5 the Dave Wannstedt era is officially OVER! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lolahotass Posted June 5 Report Share Posted June 5 Thank God.. that guy was an idiot!Go Lions digital7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffy1 Posted June 5 Report Share Posted June 5 worst move the trade for feely,what a joke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurtisp Posted June 5 Report Share Posted June 5 Thank God.. that guy was an idiot!Go Lions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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