I think it is appropriate that I address this. I do not know Nick Caserio's reasons for declining the position, but I do know Lake Dawson's, based on a mutual friend, and it is contradictory to the original power structure that was explained to me, as well as GM candidates in their first interview. The power structure in the first interview was explained to Dawson, and other candidates in their initial interviews, to be identical to what I stated in my original post. What changed? The second interview provided clarification to each candidate, and it isn't pretty.
The system is the same, but Aponte's role was being intentionally understated in early discussions with candidates. She is the ultimate head of football operations, even if her title may not be as such. All decisions go through her, and she has the right to refuse personnel decisions without confirmation from Ross. She is, for all intents and purposes, Ross' eyes and ears when he is not in the building. How much she would actually be involved in personnel decisions, as talent evaluation is not her forte and she admits as much, is yet to be determined. She is, however, the most powerful employee the Dolphins currently maintain.
To be honest, I think it was a mistake to dance around this issue with potential candidates, but that's not my place to judge. I can say, though, that if it were me I would not be comfortable accepting the position either.
