Let me first state for the historical record I wanted Brian Billick initially as HC and totally supported the idea of Jeff Fisher. Upon Fisher spurning the Fins, Mike McCoy was a great candidate IMO.
Joe Philbin's hire does not bother me. I could think of worse candidates such as Jim Haslett and Brian Schottenheimer.
However, I still have some issues that need to be resolved or answered.
1. Who's pick was this? How much did Ross want Philbin? How much did Ireland want McCoy? How much of a tussle was there?
2. Can Ireland work with Philbin?
2. Did McCoy turn off the team by not wanting Bowles as DC? If that is true, this is a very troubling development. One, it means McCoy was the preferred candidate. Two, why does the FO insist on micromanaging coaching matters.
3. Who is on Philbin's Staff? I think it is naive to think that ALL the Green Bay staff will head south. Tom Clements I do not believe comes to Miami. Everyone seems convinced he is on his way. Why? The Fins are known as a dysfunctional organization and Clements can move into the OC role in Green Bay. The same for various defensive coaches. The truth is Green Bay will probably give a parting gift of a few coaches, but not major coaches like Clements and Winston Moss.
Does Brad Childress come as OC? Brian Schottenheimer? Does Eric Mangini come as DC in that he is a 3-4 guy? Does Philbin have neophyte coordinators? LOTS OF QUESTIONS HERE...
4. Will Matt Flynn come to Miami? The Matt Flynn connection. I do not think you hire a coach just because he might be able to deliver a coach. With that being said, Philbin and the Fins better deliver Flynn. If Flynn is not signed, this selection is highly questionable. McCoy or Daboll with Matt Moore is a better situation along with McCoy instructing RGIII.
5. What kind of coach is Philbin? I remember Chris Mortenson saying a few weeks ago that a respected and longtime member of the Packers compared Philbin to Joe Gibbs in his structure and organization...high praise that I love to hear. However, I have not seen it one way or the other.
6. Is Philbin a leader of men? This what I want to know. Can he make this team mentally tough? Can he get the most out of their talent and mask weaknesses? Is he articulate enough to explain the vision of the team going forward?
I REALLY wish him luck. What a range of emotions the Philbin Family must be feeling. I want to see how these questions are answered in the coming weeks. The Miami Dolphins must return to relevance and hopefully Joe Philbin can lead that charge.