Reuters

So why did the Dolphins and G.M. Jeff Ireland mutually part ways? According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, owner Stephen Ross wanted to unilaterally strip from Ireland most if not all of his power over the team’s personnel.

Per Salguero, Ross wanted to hire someone who would have operated at a level above Ireland, holding most if not all of the authority Ireland currently possesses. Though Salguero names no names, many will speculate that Ross wanted to install former Chiefs G.M. Carl Peterson in that role.

Ross and Peterson have been friends and business associates for years, and many have believed that Peterson inevitably will take an active role in the management of the football operation. With Ireland gone, the time for Peterson could be now.

Though described as a mutual separation, Ireland presumably will be compensated for the balance of his contract with the team, less any earnings elsewhere. He is believed to be signed through the 2014 season.