By Greg A. Bedard
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 13, 2007
The Dolphins left owner Wayne Huizenga's jet on the runway for a couple of days while they studied their options, but now they are prepared to speed up their methodical search for a head coach. They would like to name Nick Saban's replacement within a week, two sources said Friday.
Finalists will be contacted this weekend - likely today - to set up interviews for early next week. The Dolphins, who have criss-crossed the country to interview candidates, hope to name a coach as early as Wednesday and no later than Friday, before the conference championship games Jan. 21.
After those games, many NFL executives spend the week in Mobile, Ala., site of the Senior Bowl, to begin draft preparations. That week also would be ideal for the Dolphins to interview assistant coaches.
The schedule could hurt the chances of San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, whose teams are favored to win in this weekend's divisional playoffs. The Dolphins could not conduct follow-up interviews with them while their teams remain in contention.
Of the other 10 candidates the Dolphins have interviewed, sources said the most likely to be brought back for more talks are: Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz, former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin, Dolphins defensive coordinator Dom Capers and Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey.
The Dolphins also will monitor this weekend's games for potential candidates, including Indianapolis Colts assistant head coach Jim Caldwell. The former Wake Forest coach has been in the Dolphins' sights because of his influence on the Colts' offense.
Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, 63, reportedly could be fired if New England upsets San Diego on Sunday.
While Capers remains a candidate, the Dolphins also are making preparations to keep him as defensive coordinator if they hire a different head coach.
The Dolphins were so impressed by Capers this season - his defense ranked fourth in the league in yards allowed - that club officials have talked about making him the highest-paid coordinator in the league in order to keep him, two sources said.
FULL STORY
Dolphins hope to name a coach within 7 days
Dolphins Hope To Have Coach In 7 days
Dolphins Hope To Have Coach In 7 days
...I do actually think Chargers should get a new coach but a experienced one(and no im not saying marty isnt experienced because he is,he just cant get it done in playoffs)
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