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While quarterback Dan Marino was setting records in the 1980s, linebacker Rick Spielman embarked on a brief NFL career that ended when he was released for the third time without ever playing a game.
Now Spielman and Marino are on the same team.
Marino's return to the Miami Dolphins as an executive stole the headlines when owner Wayne Huizenga completed his front-office shake-up Monday. But the Dolphins' fortunes will rise or fall largely on the judgment of Spielman, who was promoted to the new position of general manager and will have final say on player personnel decisions.
``I'm elated that Wayne has given me this opportunity,'' Spielman said. ``The buck is going to stop on my desk.'' Tickets
That's the biggest change resulting from the restructuring. For the first time in more than 30 years, responsibility for putting together the Dolphins' roster will not rest with their coach.
The day after Miami ended a disappointing season at 10-6, coach Dave Wannstedt was stripped of authority over personnel. Spielman, who as a vice president spent the past four years advising Wannstedt on the draft, trades and free agency, will now make the call in those areas.
Marino's role as senior vice president of football operations is less well defined. But he ranks above Spielman and Wannstedt in the new chain of command, Huizenga said.
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``It's restructuring to give the coach more time to coach and the GM more time
to be the GM, and somebody else to work with both of them to get everybody focused
so they can do what they do best,'' Huizenga said.
Fans were delighted by the return of Marino, who retired four years ago after 17 seasons with the Dolphins. But critics carped that his hiring was mere window dressing and the reshuffling cosmetic, with Spielman and Wannstedt swapping spots in the chain of command but remaining in charge.
``I am convinced 1,000 percent that it's the right decision,'' Huizenga said.
Spielman was chosen over six other candidates who interviewed for the general manager's job. Huizenga and team president Eddie Jones like the way Spielman has revamped the personnel department to nearly double the number of scouting reports.
``The candidates that came in, some of them were spectacular,'' Huizenga said. ``They weren't any more spectacular than we had in the guy right here.''
As a linebacker, Spielman lacked the ability of his younger brother, Chris, a former Pro Bowl player. The elder Spielman failed to make it out of training camp with the San Diego Chargers in 1987 and Detroit Lions in 1988.
``I had an illustrious career as a camp body,'' he said with a grin.
Following retirement as a player, Spielman went into scouting. He spent seven years in pro personnel department with the Lions and three years as director of pro personnel for the Chicago Bears before Wannstedt brought him to Miami in 2000.
Spielman swung the trade to acquire running back Ricky Williams two years ago. He also played a big role in the Dolphins' lackluster recent drafts, offering three or four recommendations for each pick to Wannstedt, who then made the choice.
Now the decision will rest with Spielman -- and he'll receive input from Marino.
``Dan is going to have an excellent view on who can and can't play the game, because he played for so long,'' Spielman said.
With a superstar quarterback and scrub linebacker, the Dolphins will build their team for 2004.