Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is not the most popular person in Miami, to say the least.Many 'Phins fans assign equal blame for the recent failures of the franchise to Ireland and recently-fired head coach Tony Sparano. And many were disappointed when owner Stephen Ross gave Ireland a vote of confidence during that firing and the ensuing search for the replacement.
None of this seems to affect Ireland as he heads into the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and prepares for free agency and April's draft. He has shown a somewhat cold, almost emotionless demeanor when addressing both his job and the criticisms he has faced since taking the job in 2008.
When asked about the billboard that fans put up about wanting to acquire Peyton Manning, Ireland told reporters, "Fans were flying a billboard last game. They can do what they want to do," according to USA Today. He was referencing the banner that said "Mr. Ross: Save our Fins, Fire Ireland" that a group of fans commissioned to fly over Sun Life Stadium during a January 1 game against the Jets.
Despite the dissension from the fanbase, Ireland has made some moves that have paid off. More recently, his signing of Reggie Bush and his decision to not pursue Kyle Orton were scrutinized, but turned out to be wise moves. Despite the obvious lack of a franchise quarterback, the Dolphins roster is both talented and young. Ireland's performance in both the draft and free agency has not been nearly as bad as some make it out to be.
The fans may not come around to Ireland until they see some playoff victories, but at this point the only opinion that matters is Ross's. What we can see is that Ireland will continue to do his job without allowing public opinion to affect his decision making process.
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*Photo via MiamiDolphins.com
