Dave Hyde: Harbaugh, Herbert come to town as Ross faces big football decisions again

"Ross' swings and misses have come to define his Dolphins ownership, and it's not just Harbaugh coming to town Sunday with the Los Angeles Chargers that says so. Quarterback Justin Herbert arrives, too. Harbaugh and Herbert symbolize the football decisions that could have been. They aren't perfect. Herbert has just started of late to turn his warning-track power into home runs. But they're imperfectly better than any the Dolphins decisions at general manager, coach and quarterback under Ross."

"What now for Steve Ross? Years ago, after his loud swing and miss for chasing then-Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, the Miami Dolphins owner was nationally criticized for undercutting his coach at the time, Tony Sparano. Later, after the waters calmed, Ross said, "No one said I didn't go after the right guy." He's chased other right guys. Sean Payton. Tom Brady. He just hasn't land them in equally loud manners. Does he have another chase for the elusive right guy in him?"

"Ross has tried. He's spent. He's supported. Give him his due, too. He's the nation's best sports owner from a civic and social standpoint, considering he's financed the stadium upgrades and maintenance, kept a major tennis tournament in South Florida and brought a Formula One race to town and ensured the Dolphins reach out to the community in a rare manner."

Steve Ross repeatedly targeted high-profile coaches and quarterbacks but failed to secure many key hires. The attempt to pursue Jim Harbaugh drew national criticism for undermining then-coach Tony Sparano. Ross has since chased figures such as Sean Payton and Tom Brady without comparable results. Harbaugh and Justin Herbert symbolize alternative football decisions that might have improved team performance. Ross has invested heavily in local sports infrastructure, kept major events in South Florida, and prioritized community outreach. At age 85, Ross faces major choices about general manager, coach and quarterback decisions, potential succession to Jennifer Ross and Daniel Sillman, or selling the team, with Ken Griffin expressing past interest.

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