Still, when he began to discuss his new job as the Miami Dolphins’ senior vice president of football operations, it was hard to believe.
Dan Marino?
Wearing a pinstripe suit rather than jersey No. 13, Marino rejoined the Dolphins on Monday to resume his quest for a Super Bowl ring. The hope is that he can achieve as an inexperienced executive what he was unable to accomplish in 17 seasons at quarterback.
“It has been a dream of mine to get back into football,” Marino said. “I love everything about this place. To me I’m back home again.”
Since retiring, Marino said, he often talked with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga about returning to the organization. But his interest was a well-kept secret during the past 10 days while Huizenga and team president Eddie Jones interviewed seven candidates for the new position of general manager.
One of them, Rick Spielman, was promoted to that job Monday. Spielman was the Dolphins’ personnel boss under coach Dave Wannstedt since 2000.
A second new position was created for Marino.
“We just felt we needed another football person in our operation,” Jones said. “We were fortunate enough to come up with Dan Marino.”
His return to the Dolphins was a stunner in part because the deal came together so quickly.
“I didn’t know how to react,” Miami defensive tackle Larry Chester said. “I was like, ‘Dan Marino? He’s a player. Wow!’ Having him here is a major plus. Dan Marino is Miami. With him pulling the reins, I see nothing but good things. I just wish he was coming back to play.”
Marino will report directly to Jones. Spielman and Wannstedt will report to Marino. Spielman will have final say regarding player personnel, including draft decisions.
