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ALLEN EYESTONE/ THE PALM BEACH P / USA TODAY NETWORK

Los Angeles Chargers To Interview Controversial Former Miami Dolphins GM For Same Role

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 1/17/24

Los Angeles Chargers fans are not going to be too happy with this new report from CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson on Tuesday.

She reports that the Chargers’ brass will meet with former Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland as they look to fill that role.

I am not sure where to even start here. Sure, Ireland has a ton of experience with multiple front offices around the NFL. But his six-year tenure as the Dolphins’ general manager was filled with picking draft busts and some major off-field drama.

Ireland’s tenure in South Beach was defined by criticism of how he handled the entire Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito drama. As I am sure you remember, this was one of the biggest scandals around the NFL back in 2013.

Incognito allegedly bullied Martin, who was in his second season with the Dolphins at the time. That included alleged racially charged comments he made in the direction of Martin. As this entire situation was playing out, it was being reported that Ireland suggested Martin respond by punching Incognito.

It represented a major dark cloud hanging over the Dolphins’ organization and even included fans flying “Fire Ireland” banners during games.

Jeff Ireland Is Not The Man For The Los Angeles Chargers Job

Make no mistake about it. A hiring of this ilk would be disastrous for Los Angeles. Outside of the aforementioned drama, Ireland’s tenure in Miami included him drafting several busts.

After hitting a home run with Jake Long as the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, he wasn’t able to duplicate that success. Ireland selected West Virginia QB Pat White in the second round of the 2009 draft. White threw all of five passes in his NFL career. The 2010 draft saw Ireland select a defensive tackle in Jared Odrick in the first round who never acted the part of a defensive cornerstone that the then-GM had hoped.

But Ireland’s biggest mistake as the Fins’ general manager came during his final draft in 2013 when he selected Oregon EDGE rusher Dion Jordan No. 3 overall. Jordan played 26 games in two seasons with Miami, recording just three sacks in the process. He was selected ahead of the likes of future Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame offensive tackle Lane Johnson.

These are just some examples of how much Ireland struggled in his role with the Dolphins. Overall, they posted a combined 46-50 record with Ireland calling the shots.

I do understand the appeal of someone with Ireland’s experience for the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s been around NFL front offices since being a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1997-2000. His career includes stops with the Dallas Cowboys (2001-07) and Seattle Seahawks (2014). Ireland has also worked directly under respected New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis since 2015.

Even then, the idea of bringing in someone with this baggage just doesn’t make sense for the Chargers. Experience is fine. Ireland’s type of experience just isn’t a fit in Los Angeles.

That’s my two cents.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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