MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross last answered questions from sports reporters in January of 2022.
Ross did release a statement after last season:
“Continuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that the status quo is good enough. We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships. As the owner of this team, I am ultimately accountable for our successes and failures. We fell short of our expectations this season, and I understand and share in the frustration in our performance on the field.”
The Dolphins finished last season 8-9.
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This year, the Dolphins are 1-4.
If and when Ross makes major changes on coach Mike McDaniel and/or general manager Chris Grier, logic would suggest Ross will speak with reporters again.
If Ross were to speak now, you have questions.
We hear your anger. We hear your frustration. We hear your questions.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, here are fan questions
When Ross does speak with us we promise to get to many of your questions.
After Miami’s last loss, McDaniel said he spoke with Ross, who is “really frustrated.”
Ross became majority owner of Miami Dolphins in 2009 and since then has worked with Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, Dennis Hickey, Mike Tannenbaum, Chris Grier, Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell, Adam Gase, Brian Flores, Mike McDaniel, Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Ryan Tannehill, Jay Cutler, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa.
But he’s had no playoff wins.
Palm Beach Post hears your Dolphins frustrations
Here are some of your questions, in response to @schadjoe on X:
There were more than 300 replies, so here are some questions that encapsulate what you really want to know:
Question: What is it about Chris Grier that makes you believe he is the right man for the job despite never having won a playoff game or division in his long 10 year tenure as GM? via @0bando_5
What we think: Most questions were about Chris Grier, of course. Ross likes and respects Grier’s professionalism and experience in the league. Obviously, Ross does not like that the Dolphins have not won a playoff game since December of 2000. Some of Grier’s free agent and draft picks have worked out. But at this point one would have to assess his resume in those areas are below league average. Grier began his Dolphins career as a scout in 2000. Ross has tried to foster organizational stability, which terrible organizations usually lack. Our opinion here is that after 10 years, if this season ends with a losing record, Ross will decide he’s seen enough and make a change on primary personnel decision-maker.
Question: How often do you fire people from your real estate business for failure? And why do you not abide by that same principle when it comes to the general manager of your football team? via @Kameron2494
What we think: It pains Ross that he’s had tremendous success as a star real estate developer, but has been unable to match that success as an NFL owner. We have to acknowledge though that they are completely different industries. Ross wants desperately to win and has put his money where his mouth is to try to make it happen. Many of you are tired of hearing that. You have asked about Ross’ interests in F1 and soccer and tennis. I can assure you that does not take his attention and focus away from the Dolphins. It is also without question that Ross has given back to the community through charitable endeavors. On the football front, he just has not made the right hires. That’s it. It’s as simple as that. Should Ross allow some other person or people to make the next set of key hires? It must be considered.
Question: What identity would you like the Dolphins as a team and a franchise to have? What steps need to occur to help achieve that identity? You as the Owner, how can you delegate and relinquish power and authority to help achieve these goals? via @@hibbard_ronald
What we think: Ross would say winning. Ross would say he wants to win a Super Bowl not for himself but for South Florida and the loyal, passionate Dolphins fans. Now here’s the thing: It would seem Ross himself does not know the answer on how to get there. He’s obviously tried various ways. Offensive coach. Defensive coach. Disciplinarian. Players’ coach. Could the Dolphins turn to a big-name and/or already-established head coach? Well, Ross went down that path with Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton and did not deliver the coaches. It seems obvious Ross has trusted Chris Grier. If and when he makes a change he’ll need to identify a football leader he can trust.
Question: Mr. Ross, Fins Up. Please tell me what your vision for this franchise is? What does success look like in your eyes? What is your 10 year plan for the team? Do you believe that this is the foundation for the house you want to be built 10 years from now? God Bless and Fins Up. via @BlakeHolloman
What we think: The vision is Super Bowl. A 10-year plan is tough when you’re 85. How about a new four- or five-year plan? Miami tore it down completely a few years ago with the intent to rebuild a champion. It has not worked. It has not played out as planned. There are many reasons, including injuries and luck. But overall, this particular strategy just didn’t work out. It seems Miami is headed for another organizational reset, if not complete tear-down. Would they approach another run differently? One would think so.
Question: Why did you change our iconic logo and uniforms for these arena football league logo and uniforms? via @CoachPike20
What we think: We get almost as many questions about uniforms as we do Chris Grier. Look, Ross likes and has always liked the current logo and uniform. I don’t really agree with the “arena league” characterization. But I do prefer the throwback look, as do the large majority of fans and players. I believe Ross has not minded the popularity of the throwbacks and has not minded the excitement stirred by their ocasional, not permanant, use.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: You’d ask Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross these questions
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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