The Miami Dolphins are the first team to part ways with a head coach after they gave Joe Philbin the boot last week following a disappointing three-plus seasons with the team. As Miami beings its search for a new shot caller, one guy who WON'T be targeted is Jim Harbaugh.
Peter King of TheMMQB.com said (via Pro Football Talk) during NBC's "Football Night in America" that the Dolphins will not pursue Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh despite their past interest in him.
It sounds as if school ties may have something to do with this. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross attended Michigan and has been a major financial contributor of the university. Harbaugh is in just his first year with the school and has led them to an impressive 5-1 record so far. Ross has no plans to mess with his alma mater's newfound success.
Then again, it doesn't appear as if Harbaugh even wants to rejoin the NFL. Although he could command a top five coaching salary, his stint in San Francisco ended so acrimoniously that he may want to take his time with the Wolverines.
Whoever Miami targets, they need to ensure there is mutual interest. The team was rebuffed for interviews by several GM candidates before hiring Dennis Hickey after the 2013 season. The organization needs to go after a viable and possible first option.
Back in 2010, Ross and former GM Jeff Ireland met with Harbaugh while former coach Tony Sparano was still employed. Harbaugh rejected them for the 49ers. Sparano stayed on for one more year as Ross desperately tried to hire Jeff Fisher, who chose the Rams instead, and ended up with Philbin. A similar situation cannot be allowed to unfold this time around.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill isn't going anywhere for better and for worse. That means the Dolphins need to get a coach who is willing and able to work with him.
We'll keep you posted as potential candidates become known.