MIAMI (June 3, 2005) -- Rick Spielman has left the Dolphins after five seasons helping oversee their personnel moves, as he became increasingly irrelevant with new coach Nick Saban having complete control over the roster.
Spielman was promoted to general manager before last season, his fifth helping guide the team's personnel decisions. Speculation over Spielman's future had swirled since Saban was hired in December.
"The Dolphins organization appreciates the contributions Rick made to the club during his tenure here," Saban said. "I want to thank him for all of his assistance during the time that we worked together and wish him the best of success in the future."
Spielman, who was under contract through 2006, joined the Dolphins in 2000 as vice president of player personnel and stayed in that job until he was promoted in January 2004.
He was widely criticized throughout the 2004 season for his personnel decisions. Spielman had final authority over the makeup of Miami's roster last season, when the Dolphins finished 4-12 -- one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
