It's Time for Stephen Ross to Let Dan Marino Run the Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' season will die a merciful, injury-riddled death on Sunday when the team faces the Bills in Buffalo at 1 p.m. Then owner Stephen Ross will have some important offseason decisions to make. Most important, should current vice president Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Adam Gase continue steering a ship that's been lost at sea for decades?

This one should not be hard for Ross. Not at all, actually. Gase and Tannenbaum have had their chance over the last three seasons to change the culture of mediocrity. It's time to start over and find a shot-caller — à la Pat Riley with the Miami Heat — who is about more than decimal points and dollar signs. The team needs someone who knows the game and what a winner looks like.

The search for the replacement should start in-house with the name most closely tied to the franchise. That's right. It's time for Stephen Ross to unleash the nuclear option. It's time for him to put Dan Marino in complete control.

Ross should grant Marino, who at least until recently was a scout and advisor to the team —  complete power to decide if Gase should stay. The old quarterback — or someone to whom he delegates responsibility — should make free agent and draft decisions. Hell, Marino should decide if the Dolphins play on Bermuda grass or something imported from Costa Rica. All of it and everything should be Marino's call.

Marino has more than earned a chance to run the Dolphins. He's been involved with the organization since 1983. He's been biding his time, quietly watching how an NFL front office's sausage is made for years. Dan Marino is more than ready to run the Dolphins if he's willing to take on the task.

Literally, everything Miami Dolphins should be decided by Dan Marino. Considering everything Dolphins fans have been through since Marino stopped playing, it would make us all feel better if Ross at least lets us know he asked.