Dolphins' news/notes

[Ego74]

Possible replacement candidates for Spielman

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Chris Licht, Eagles assistant director of player personnel: At 34, he has the age and background sought by Nick Saban. Quickly rose in first four years with Patriots, where he was schooled in Bill Belichick's system for scouting players — which was borrowed from Saban. Gained administrative duties in two seasons with the Eagles. Worked for Dolphins as a personnel assistant in 1995-96

Tom Dimitroff Jr., Patriots director of college scouting: Much like Licht, Dimitroff is young (38) and has been indoctrinated in the Belichick/Saban method of scouting after working the past three years with New England. Oversaw a staff of scouts and has 12 years of NFL experience. His late father, Tom Sr., was a scout under Saban with the Browns.

George Kokinis, Ravens director of pro personnel: He is 38, with 14 years of NFL experience — all with the Ravens/Browns franchise. Was a scouting assistant when Saban was with the Browns. Moved from the college to pro personnel side five years ago and was in charge of the Ravens' advance scouting. Majored in psychology in college, which should endear him to Saban.

 

[yubnolck]

Saban is going to be another Steve Spurrier in the NFL.

 

[Ego74]

Dolphins name Mueller general manager

By Keven Lerner and Alex Marvez
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted June 6 2005, 10:18 AM EDT

The Dolphins have hired Randy Mueller as their new general manager to replace Rick Spielman, who resigned Friday after a tumultuous five months working under first-year coach Nick Saban.

"[Mueller] is respected throughout the league and has a strong background in player personnel," Saban said in a team-released statement. "He will help us in our continuing efforts to build a team that will not only achieve success, but sustain it on a long-term basis."

According to ESPN.com, Mueller received a three-year contract, worth between $700,000-$800,000 per year.

Mueller unsuccessfully interviewed for the Dolphins general manager job in January 2004 that ultimately went to Spielman. Mueller has spent the past three years working as an ESPN analyst after being fired by New Orleans in May 2002 by Saints owner Tom Benson.

"I am looking forward to my responsibilities with the Dolphins," Mueller said in a team-released statement. "This is one of the great franchises in the NFL with an unmatched tradition of success, and it's going to be special for me to be a part of that legacy. Beginning with Wayne Huizenga, the organization is well-known for being first class in every respect, and I know everyone here is committed to working together for the long-term success of the franchise."

As general manager of the Saints, Mueller was best known for trading Ricky Williams to the Dolphins in 2002 for two first-round draft choices and a swap of fourth-round picks.

Mueller was voted the NFL's Executive of the Year in 2000 when New Orleans finished with a 10-6 record and won its first playoff game. But Mueller was fired in the 2002 offseason after a falling out with Benson.

Before joining the Saints, Mueller spent 17 years with the Seattle Seahawks. In 1983, he was an assistant in the personnel department, and was promoted to pro personnel director in 1990. He was named vice president/football operations in 1995 and held that post until joining the Saints.

His brother, Rick, is the director of player personnel with the Saints.

 

[Ego74]

Bowens' career is cut short

By Greg A. Bedard

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, June 09, 2005

DAVIE — For 11 seasons, tackle Tim Bowens anchored the Dolphins' defense and earned a reputation as one of the NFL's toughest players.

A back injury forced him to retire Wednesday, but his teammates will remember him for missing just five games in his first 10 seasons. They also will recall his unwavering, almost stubborn toughness and his quiet stewardship of the team.

"Over the last few years, I can say he is one of the true leaders of this football team," said cornerback Sam Madison, a teammate for eight years. "Once he got on that field he was all football, but when we got in that locker room he was the guy who keeps the peace and keeps things fun and lively.

"To not see him out here running around and joking... it hurts."

Bowens, 32, once started 92 consecutive games — third-best in team history — but a herniated disk limited him to two starts last season.

"I appreciate all of the support I have received through my career from the fans, from my teammates and coaches, and from the rest of the organization," Bowens said in a statement.

He was a first-round draft choice by then-coach Don Shula in 1994 after just one season at Mississippi (he played two years in junior college). With the Dolphins, he started 155 games and had 558 tackles, 22 sacks and 13 forced fumbles. He was a Pro Bowl player twice.

At 6-feet-4 and 325 pounds, Bowens was an imposing figure and enforcer.

"He was the guy no one wanted to mess with," longtime Dolphins radio commentator Jim Mandich said.

Linebacker Zach Thomas said Bowens helped him make a lot of big plays.

"To play defensive tackle in the league for 11 years, taking on double-teams, especially in our scheme, is amazing," Thomas said. "I'm going to miss him."

Defensive end Jason Taylor echoed that sentiment.

"He was the most unselfish player I ever played with or met," Taylor said. "None of us could have done what we did without him."

Bowens' retirement, while expected, leaves the Dolphins thin at defensive tackle. The only returning players are Larry Chester, Dario Romero and Jeff Zgonina.

With Chester still recovering from knee surgery, the team signed veteran Keith Traylor last month. The Dolphins also have shown interest in USC's Manuel Wright, who will be available in the supplemental draft July 10.

Noteworthy: Taylor received the team MVP award for 2004. Media and fans decided the award, which was presented Wednesday night at the Dolphins' kickoff banquet. Linebacker Junior Seau won the Don Shula Leadership Award in voting by his teammates. Madison received the Nat Moore Community Service Award. Former quarterback Dan Marino and recently retired team President Eddie Jones also were honored.