Miami Dolphins: Fan and Player Protests Mean Jeff Ireland Has to Go

If a "Fire Ireland" banner flying over SunLife Stadium wasn't enough to draw the attention of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, it's highly unlikely that 30 fans protesting outside Dolphins headquarters will do much better.

That didn't stop Dol-Fans from trying.

Free agency has been a circus for the Dolphins, who swung and missed on both Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. Their inefficacy in roster building has long since been traced back to general manager Jeff Ireland, the subject of scrutiny that led to today's protest at Dolphins HQ.

This is far from a reaction to those misses, as Chris Joseph and FinsNation.com were able to raise $1,500 to fly a banner over SunLife Stadium in protest before the regular season finale against the New York Jets. 

If fan protests won't do the trick, what will?

Perhaps player protests? There have been plenty of those over the past couple of weeks, as well. Ireland has drawn the ire of Steelers safety Ryan Clark.

"

No one! To believe I almost went there but it was easy decision not to. GM RT @captmrose: No kidding!NOONE wants to go to the Dolphins!

— ryan clark (@RealRClark25) March 18, 2012"

And Clark's not the only one saying such things. In fact, Flynn shared similar sentiments in an interview on 710 ESPN in Seattle (h/t Sports Radio Interviews) when asked why he chose the Seahawks over the Dolphins.

"

I am close with [Dolphins head coach] Joe [Philbin], I think a lot of him. I think he’s gonna do a great job in Miami. I think he’s gonna be a really successful head coach in the league. So when it came down to it, I just felt like it was a better situation for me—I felt it’s a program that’s really on the rise, doing the right thing, is being led by the right type of people.

"

As in, not led by Ireland. 

The fans have said it. The players have said it. What more could Ross possibly want?

Perhaps a famous stand-up comedian?

"

jeff ireland, you are the reason i am never happy.

— daniel tosh (@danieltosh) March 20, 2012"

Ireland has been in office since 2008. His tenure started hot with a division championship in his first year, but since finishing the '08 season 11-5, the Dolphins have gone 20-29 in the regular and postseason combined.

If the losing record wasn't enough to scare off potential free agent acquisitions, Ireland himself seems to be doing the trick just fine.

Follow Erik Frenz on Twitter.