Dolphins interview Pats executive Nick Caserio
We’ve learned of the previous GM interviews in advance of the interviews, so this one slipping under the radar tells me: 1. That Stephen Ross isn’t content with the ‘finalists’ the Dolphins have and 2. Ross is leaving no stone unturned in this quest to find a new GM. I mean, after being rejected by a number of candidates, even to interview, Ross keeps swinging and asked the Pats for permission to speak with Caserio.
As with the other external candidates, it’s impossible to know what role they played in player aquisition. Who did they bang on the table for? Who did they think was too risky? Who did they miss on? We simply don’t know and the Dolphins won’t know either (for the most part). All we can do is hope that Mr. Ross finds the right man for the job.
Whenever the new GM is named, some fans will be upset and others will be happy….no matter which candidate gets the job. The success of the Dolphins in 2014 and beyond will be ultimately tell us whether the right GM was chosen or not. The new Dolphins GM, whoever it is, is walking into a tough spot. Remember, he’ll be walking into a situation where the coach and capalogist are both safe for the 2014 season. What’s more, he’ll be in charge of fixing a roster that has very little depth and a lot of impending free agents.
Among the big decisions on tap are:
1. What players to resign (Brent Grimes, Paul Soliai, Randy Starks, Nolan Carroll and others are a month away from being free agents)
2. How to fix the Dolphins league-worst offensive line that allowed 58 sacks
3. What positions should the Dolphins address in free agency and what players to chase (Running Back, Linebacker, O-Line, etc.)
4. Setting up the Dolphins draft board and identifying the positions and players they want to target
5. Studying and meeting with coaches to see what players will fit the team’s offensive and defensive systems
6. Deciding whether Ryan Tannehill can be a franchise QB. And deciding whether or not to draft a QB….and deciding how early/late to take one
As you can see the Dolphins GM search may be ending soon, but the new GM’s job will be an ominous one when he arrives!