[Sunder]

We knew this was probably coming, but during a bye week? I don't buy it won't be a distraction if other teams do call.

Dallas Cowboys' scouting chief could be next Miami GM

Source: Dolphins to interview Jeff Ireland on Tuesday

01:39 PM CST on Monday, December 31, 2007

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – Jeff Ireland could be joining Bill Parcells in Miami.

According to a source, Ireland will interview Tuesday for the Dolphins' general manager job – a day after the Dolphins received permission from the Dallas Cowboys to speak with Ireland.

Once Parcells was named Miami's executive vice president of football operations, Ireland's name was linked to the former Cowboys' coach. The two formed a tight bond during Parcells' time in Dallas, and he was instrumental in Ireland taking over for Larry Lacewell as the Cowboys' vice president of college and pro scouting.

Ireland is in the last year of his contract, but he could leave immediately if he received a "final say" promotion. The Cowboys could contend Ireland would not have such power in an organization with Parcells, although Parcells has said Ireland's role would be more of an "owner's designee."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could be called in if there is a dispute over titles should talks with Ireland lead to an offer.

Ireland joined the Cowboys in 2001 as a national scout after spending four years in Kansas City as an area scout. When Lacewell retired, Ireland took over the college and pro scouting departments.

His first draft inn 2005 netted Pro Bowlers DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber, as well as four other heavy contributors – Marcus Spears, Kevin Burnett, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff.

Teams may call Dallas Cowboys today

Garrett, Sparano and Ireland could draw interest around league

02:04 AM CST on Monday, December 31, 2007

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

LANDOVER, Md. – With the Cowboys idle until their Jan. 13 divisional round game at Texas Stadium, they are about to find themselves in a game of "Who's going where?"

Jason Garrett has been mentioned as a possible coach in Atlanta. Tony Sparano's name has been linked to Miami, as has Jeff Ireland, the Cowboys vice president of college and pro scouting.

Teams can contact the Cowboys as early as today to seek permission to speak with any of their coaches or personnel.

Because the Cowboys have the bye week, their assistants would be available to interview this week. Atlanta is seeking a replacement for Bobby Petrino, while Cam Cameron's time in Miami is tenuous with Bill Parcells' arrival.

League rules prevent the Cowboys from denying permission for one of their assistants to interview for a head-coaching vacancy.

"We've had it happen really two or three times where a club requested permission to talk and the coach right then said, 'I'm not interested,' " Jones said.

Jones added that he has not been contacted regarding Garrett, Sparano or Ireland.

Garrett, 41, is aware of the speculation, but he said he has not been contacted. He is viewed as a hot commodity after the season the Cowboys put together offensively with quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten and receiver Terrell Owens.

"It won't be a distraction," Garrett said, adding, "These are nice opportunities to think about, but my attention first and foremost is on this team and in our preparation for our first playoff game."

Sparano was hired by Parcells with the Cowboys in 2003. Three times the Cowboys have stopped Sparano from interviewing for offensive coordinator roles (New Orleans, San Diego, Cleveland). He has said he would like to be a head coach one day.

"All I know is we lost this game," Sparano said. "And we've got to get ready for the next one."

Ireland's name has surfaced as a candidate to become the Dolphins general manager. Ireland, who did not comment, is in the final year of his contract, but would be eligible to leave immediately should he receive a promotion. Parcells has publicly said he would serve in an advisory capacity as the Dolphins' vice president of football operations and leave the hiring authority to the general manager.

Should the Cowboys contest whether Ireland would have that authority, commissioner Roger Goodell would have the final say.