When the Miami Dolphinsparted ways with general manager Jeff Ireland on Tuesday, the questions turned to coach Joe Philbins future with the franchise.
The belief that owner Stephen Ross would keep his coach for at least the next season, regardless of who was hired as GM, was bolstered Wednesday by CEO Tom Garfinkel.
"Steve has a lot of confidence in Joe. Joe's our head coach -- a lot of confidence in Joe Philbin," Garfinkel responded when asked if the new GM would be able to select his or her own coach, per The Palm Beach Post.
Garfinkel said the Dolphins plan to "move fast" in selecting their next general manager. The team will release a list of candidates and plan to start conducting interviews Friday.
The main goal of the Dolphins' search is to find a strong talent evaluator.
"In my conversations with (Ross, we're looking for) someone with a proven track record of evaluating talent -- a football person," said Garfinkel, per the Miami Herald. "That's going to be the first criteria. Someone with a lot of intellect. A collaborative team player. Someone who’s creative and open-minded."
Dawn Aponte, vice president of football administration, is currently in charge of the organizational duties. Given the criteria Garfinkel set forth, it would not be a stretch to see the well-respected Aponte gain more prominence in the organization while the team brings someone in who has a scouting background to supplement her strengths.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" features a very special in-studio visit from Bears star Brandon Marshall.