Dolphins Planned to Pursue Sean Payton and Tom Brady

The Dolphins currently have Mike McDaniel as their head coach and Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback.  But that wasn't their original plan.

Miami's original plan, prior to Brian Flores' lawsuit, was to pursue Sean Payton as their head coach and Tom Brady as their quarterback.  This according to Dolphins team sources.

From Pro Football Talk:

On the record, Dolphins declined comment. Team sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issues confirmed that the team contacted the Saints to seek permission to speak to Payton. The Saints, per Dolphins sources, declined the request, which they contend was made after Payton resigned on Tuesday, January 25 but before Flores filed his lawsuit one week later.

By rule, the Dolphins first would have had to reach an agreement with the Saints as to potential compensation for hiring Payton. Once an agreement had been reached, the Dolphins then would have had to work out an agreement directly with Payton.

As to Brady, Dolphins sources contend that internal discussions occurred regarding the possibility of adding Brady as a minority owner, but that those considerations currently are on hold. The delay, per Dolphins sources, has nothing to do with the lawsuit; it’s more about the uncertain status of Brady’s retirement from playing. Once it’s clear he’s not coming back to play for the Buccaneers or some other team, the plan for selling a piece of the team to Brady could proceed.

Rumors have persisted for two years regarding Brady’s potential involvement with the Dolphins, either as a player or as a partial owner. The connection arises from Brady’s friendship with Bruce Beal, a significant limited partner who is poised to eventually purchase the team from Stephen Ross. Indeed, as Brady approached free agency in 2020, the Patriots were very concerned that Brady would join the Dolphins as a player — with partial ownership on the table.

I had the same plans for the Panthers, minus Sean Payton because I hate him.  I replaced Payton with Bill Belichick.  A reunion pretty close to halfway between Tampa and New England.  The Brian Flores lawsuit made me change my mind too.