Report: Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland on hot seat

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is on the hot seat, the Miami Herald reported.

Ireland drafted rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill who threw three interceptions in a season-opening 30-10 loss at Houston. He also constructed a team that lost the first seven games of last season before finishing 6-10.

A business associate of owner Stephen Ross told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald the owner does not have “blind faith” in Ireland and if the team has a disastrous season -- as nearly every analyst around the country has predicted -- the general manager could be "in serious trouble." Ross has said several times during the preseason he expects the team to be more than simply competitive this season; he wants a playoff team.

But Ireland's recent track record is a bit of a grease fire. The team played just four of its nine selections from April's draft against Houston and the Dolphins are carrying about $15 million in dead cap space for players signed, then released. Ireland cut six of the nine veterans he signed this offseason.

However, Jackson's source added: “Steve really likes Jeff personally and gives him the benefit of the doubt.”

Ireland was hired as the Dolphins' GM in January 2008.

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