On the eve of this weekend's playoff games, one mysterious candidate appeared as owner Stephen Ross decided to venture outside of the box with an interview with Dennis Hickey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After having interviewed Omar Khan (VP of football administration), Brian Gaine (current Miami Assitant GM), Ray Farmer (Cleveland), Brian Xanders (Executive with the Lions), Lake Dawson (Titans), and Jason Licht (Arizona); enter Dennis Hickey into the race and the Dolphins seventh candidate interviewed by the Dolphins on Friday.
What's most interesting about this interview was that Hickey, known for his work as a longtime personnel man in Tampa Bay; he is not up for the GM position in Tampa. In other words, the Miami Dolphins are the only franchise considering his services as GM.
What's more, the Dolphins elected to interview Hickey based on something that only Stephen Ross knows. For one, Hickey has shown his loyalty for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has been a part of their organization and several drafts. Next, Hickey has experience as an evaluator of talent especially given their drafts over the years. Drafts that have brought in an exceptional and tough-minded defense on the defensive line and at the cornerback position. Lastly, it seems that Hickey had a hand in constructing the most difficult of deals dealing with Darrelle Revis from the Jets. It's been said that Hickey's interview went quite well and lasted longer than any other interview according to reports by the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero.
This last interview certainly begs the question of whether or not owner Stephen Ross genuinely wants Dennis Hickey, Ray Farmer, or his current assistant GM Brian Gaine. Does Ross want Brian Xanders or does he remind him too much of Jeff Ireland?
At some point in the next week, the Dolphins will make their announcement.
This much is known, Ross is going to select his guy and a guy that will report only to him. This is Mr. Ross' decision as owner of the Miami Dolphins. He is entitled to make this decision.
Will Ross disappoint or bring happiness and joy to an already scorned fanbase?
As fans, we all wait so that we can cling to some version of hope that one day, our late January calendars will be filled with playoff parties that actually mean something.
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