As the Dolphins begin their search for a general manager to replace Jeff Ireland, one of the concerns voiced among executives from around the league is the relationship between coach Joe Philbin and vice president of football operations Dawn Aponte.

While the relationship is considered purely professional, it may be overly close after a story in The Miami Herald surfaced Wednesday that Aponte shared information expressed by Ireland about the performance of the coaching staff over the final two weeks of the season. Aponte, who negotiates contracts for the Dolphins and has become a trusted advisor to owner Stephen Ross, apparently overheard the remarks and then shared them with Philbin, causing a rift between the coach and the GM.

While Ireland was expected to be let go after five straight seasons without a winning record, other executives wonder how healthy the environment will be for the next general manager, particularly if the position doesn’t have the final authority to fire the coach.

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