Id go with Sherman first, Ireland second
Mike Sherman and it's not even close. The talent on this team is evident, that's Ireland's responsibility. People have baseless expectations of draft classes and evaluation, it would be nice if some people looked around the league. Ireland isn't perfect by any stretch, he has made some boneheaded signings but if you ask me at the end of the season, who should we keep Sherman, Ireland or Philbin I wouldn't think twice about saying Ireland. It is on the coaching staff that they cannot get anything out of these players, this team has the talent level, to be as far as I'm concerned 7-4 safely but the coaches have blown it. The play calling, the scheme the approach is just all backwards and it's showing. The biggest issue we have is a disconnect between our GM and coach, they don't see players on the same page so the best fits aren't being drafted so the best coaching isn't being done with them. We realistically need to start fresh as far as coaching and FO go, but we need to keep this core intact and we need to bring a guy in who believes in Tannehill (who won't be hard to find). I would fire Philbin and Sherman for their performance, I would fire Ireland for his reputation and need for the new GM and coach to see eye to eye.
Sherman is less horrendous at his job than Ireland.
It's a no brainer. Ireland
Blame Ireland all you want. But, he's brought us more than enough talent to EASILY be 3 games better than our current records indicates. Unfortunately, Sherman hasn't been competent enough to use that talent to get us those 3 wins.
What I find funny is the following. Imagine the 8-3 Dolphins right now! Would anyone be talking about J.Ireland? If so, I doubt it would be related to firing him.
Calling it as I see it.