It is unmistakable, there is a new aura surrounding the Miami Dolphins these days. After decades of determined and strong willed rule by Don Shula, the equally tough and determined Jimmy Johnson arrived in Miami in 1996. The last time the Dolphins were on track was under the rule of these two legendary coaches.

However, Shula and Johnson left with the 90’s, and the 2000’s ushered in a change in the aura of the organization. First came Dave Wannstedt, a nice guy but utterly disrespected and mocked by his own players behind his back in the locker room. The Dolphins initially prospered under Wannestedt going 11-5 in 2000 and 2001 but were blown out in the playoffs both years. The following seasons saw the Dolphins go 9-7, 10-6, and 4-12 missing the playoffs all 3 seasons.

Then came Nick Saban. Saban led the Dolphins to 9-7 and 6-10 seasons. Saban came in with the outward appearance of a coach that would be tough on his players, but it turned out the tactics that worked well for him in the NCAA ranks, were useless when applied to NFL players and Saban returned to the college ranks after two seasons.

And then there is the Cam Cameron era, so to speak. In one season in Miami, Cam Cameron was a disaster. He was completely disrespected, lost the faith of his players, and even his direct orders to players were ignored. The team finished 1-15.

Then Bill Parcells arrived in Miami late last season. Parcells’ arrival marks the return of a strong willed leader not seen in Miami since Shula and Johnson. For better or worse, Parcells is exercising his power and sending the message that Dolphins’ players can either get on board with his plan or hit the road. His tenure so far has seen the departure of beloved DE Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. Jay Feely was the latest player to meet the guillotine in the Parcells era. Despite setting the club’s single season field goal percentage record, converting 21 of 23 field goals, Feely was cut earlier this week. Head Coach Tony Sparano put it bluntly, Feely’s performance in training camp wasn’t even close to that of his competition, undrafted rookie free agent Dan Carpenter.

The combination of Bill Parcells’ iron will and Tony Sparano’s blunt approach could be just what the Dolphins need to change the direction of the organization. There have been unfortunate casualties under this new regime, such as the conflict between Parcells and Jason Taylor that saw Taylor wind up in a Redskins uniform. In the end however, the determination of this new regime is likely to see the Dolphins return to their former glory.