I'm not a big Ireland fan, but this is the way it should work. I never wanted a HC that had full control over player selection. Rarely ever works. Ireland gets 100% control to run the team. Now where it would be unusual is if he gives Philbin no input prior to making personel decisions.
IMO, If Ireland doesn't have a good year improving our weaknesses, he has no one else to blame and should be shown his walking papers.
IMO, If Ireland doesn't have a good year improving our weaknesses, he has no one else to blame and should be shown his walking papers.