Clear regression in Miami has led to Dolphins dissension

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After a 0-3 start to this season, the mood in South Florida has turned dark and quiet once again. Although multiple team sources said Wednesday that Sparano's job is not in imminent jeopardy, it might now be time for the coach to dig deep to keep it that way.Ross has privately delivered a continued vote of confidence in general manager Jeff Ireland, who has become one of Ross' closest confidants over the past year. By extension of Ireland's support, Ross is also remaining patient with Sparano after the rough start.This is not to suggest Ireland holds any level of authority over Sparano, but it has been made clear by several sources -- both on the football operations side and the business side of the organization -- that Ireland's endorsement and plea for patience as it pertains to Sparano has resonated with Ross as recently as Sunday's loss to Cleveland.As a result of the current power structure, which has clearly changed since Bill Parcells brought Sparano and Ireland into the organization seemingly as equals in 2008, several factors could become important to watch as the Dolphins' season unfolds.The potential for dissension between Sparano and players might actually be less temperamental at this point than the potential for dissension between the coaching staff and the personnel department.The team's slow start has weighed heavy on Sparano, who has most certainly taken an us-against-the-world mentality in recent days. It is less clear, however, whether Sparano considers Ross (and Ireland, for that matter) as "us" or "the world."Ireland's endorsement of Sparano has been called "sincere" by multiple sources. To outsiders, it might also be viewed as strange -- since there's currently a general sense from a fan base that Ireland is as much to blame for the team's regression as Sparano.Arguments have been made by sources on both sides within the organization: Coaches privately question whether they've been given the proper pieces to succeed, while members of the personnel staff privately question whether the coaches are properly utilizing those players.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000...has-led-to-dolphins-dissension?module=HP11_cp