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Rick Spielman has left the Dolphins after five seasons helping oversee their personnel moves, as he became increasingly irrelevant with new coach Nick Saban having complete control over the roster.
Spielman was promoted to general manager before last season, his fifth helping guide the team's personnel decisions. Speculation over Spielman's future had swirled since Saban was hired in December.
"The Dolphins organization appreciates the contributions Rick made to the club during his tenure here," Saban said. "I want to thank him for all of his assistance during the time that we worked together and wish him the best of success in the future."
Spielman, who was under contract through 2006, joined the Dolphins in 2000 as vice president of player personnel, and stayed in that job until he was promoted in January 2004.
He was widely criticized throughout the 2004 season for his personnel decisions. Spielman had final authority over the makeup of Miami's roster last season, when the Dolphins finished 4-12 - one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
In a statement released by the team, Spielman said he wished Saban, owner Wayne Huizenga, and the organization well.
"I have a lot of fond memories of my time here and made a lot of friends, and I hope the team goes on to have a great season," Spielman said.
During his first four seasons with the club, Spielman served mostly as an adviser to former coach Dave Wannstedt on draft, trade and free agency decisions. But after Miami went a disappointing 10-6 in 2003, Wannstedt was stripped of his right of final say - and Spielman took control.
He made some maligned moves - notably, his decision to trade a second-round draft pick to Philadelphia for quarterback A.J. Feeley, who threw for 1,893 yards, 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions during an erratic first season with the Dolphins.
Spielman sent a fourth-round pick to Minnesota in order to move up one spot in the first round of 2004's draft, doing so to select former University of Miami offensive lineman Vernon Carey - who started only two games last season, even though the Dolphins offensive line struggled mightily throughout the year. He also endured the sudden retirement of running back Ricky Williams, a season-ending injury to wide receiver David Boston, and Wannstedt's midseason resignation.
The first true harbinger of trouble for Spielman came last November. He said that he'd been assured by Huizenga his job was not in jeopardy.
"I know that I will be the general manager here," Spielman said on Nov. 10.
One day later, outgoing team president Eddie Jones said the front office makeup would be decided by whomever Huizenga hired as coach - and that turned out to be Saban.
"I am not displeased in any way with our team," Saban said in remarks released by the Dolphins. "I am pleased with a lot of the things we have done and I am pleased with the way our team has come together. I do think there are a couple of areas that we might really be looking to try to improve if we get the opportunity."
Spielman, the older brother of former Pro Bowl linebacker Chris Spielman, was one of seven candidates interviewed for the GM job after the 2003 season - and Huizenga said he was "1,000 percent" sure he made the right choice.
Spielman spent seven years in pro personnel department with the Detroit Lions and three years as director of pro personnel for Chicago Bears before Wannstedt brought him to Miami in 2000.
Source: AP
Spielman was promoted to general manager before last season, his fifth helping guide the team's personnel decisions. Speculation over Spielman's future had swirled since Saban was hired in December.
"The Dolphins organization appreciates the contributions Rick made to the club during his tenure here," Saban said. "I want to thank him for all of his assistance during the time that we worked together and wish him the best of success in the future."
Spielman, who was under contract through 2006, joined the Dolphins in 2000 as vice president of player personnel, and stayed in that job until he was promoted in January 2004.
He was widely criticized throughout the 2004 season for his personnel decisions. Spielman had final authority over the makeup of Miami's roster last season, when the Dolphins finished 4-12 - one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
In a statement released by the team, Spielman said he wished Saban, owner Wayne Huizenga, and the organization well.
"I have a lot of fond memories of my time here and made a lot of friends, and I hope the team goes on to have a great season," Spielman said.
During his first four seasons with the club, Spielman served mostly as an adviser to former coach Dave Wannstedt on draft, trade and free agency decisions. But after Miami went a disappointing 10-6 in 2003, Wannstedt was stripped of his right of final say - and Spielman took control.
He made some maligned moves - notably, his decision to trade a second-round draft pick to Philadelphia for quarterback A.J. Feeley, who threw for 1,893 yards, 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions during an erratic first season with the Dolphins.
Spielman sent a fourth-round pick to Minnesota in order to move up one spot in the first round of 2004's draft, doing so to select former University of Miami offensive lineman Vernon Carey - who started only two games last season, even though the Dolphins offensive line struggled mightily throughout the year. He also endured the sudden retirement of running back Ricky Williams, a season-ending injury to wide receiver David Boston, and Wannstedt's midseason resignation.
The first true harbinger of trouble for Spielman came last November. He said that he'd been assured by Huizenga his job was not in jeopardy.
"I know that I will be the general manager here," Spielman said on Nov. 10.
One day later, outgoing team president Eddie Jones said the front office makeup would be decided by whomever Huizenga hired as coach - and that turned out to be Saban.
"I am not displeased in any way with our team," Saban said in remarks released by the Dolphins. "I am pleased with a lot of the things we have done and I am pleased with the way our team has come together. I do think there are a couple of areas that we might really be looking to try to improve if we get the opportunity."
Spielman, the older brother of former Pro Bowl linebacker Chris Spielman, was one of seven candidates interviewed for the GM job after the 2003 season - and Huizenga said he was "1,000 percent" sure he made the right choice.
Spielman spent seven years in pro personnel department with the Detroit Lions and three years as director of pro personnel for Chicago Bears before Wannstedt brought him to Miami in 2000.
Source: AP