IRVING – Last January, the Miami Dolphins did the Cowboys a favor by allowing them to hire Jason Garrett for what was at the time an undetermined job. On Wednesday, the Cowboys reciprocated.

Jeff Ireland, the Cowboys' vice president of college and pro scouting since 2005, was named Miami's general manager, reuniting him with former Dallas coach Bill Parcells, who joined the Dolphins two weeks ago as executive vice president of football operations.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones could have contended that Ireland's new job is not a true promotion because of Parcells' tendency to want final say on personnel moves, but Jones did not want to deny Ireland an opportunity he has wanted for years.

The Dolphins hope this move works out as well for them as the hiring of Garrett – who eventually was named offensive coordinator – has for the Cowboys.

Ireland, 37, was in the last year of his contract and Jones had said any move would have to come after the April draft. But he relented, allowing Ireland to begin work in Miami immediately.

Miami owner Wayne Huizenga "had the same attitude regarding Jason Garrett," Jones said. "He helped us get Jason in here while he was still under contract. Of course, I've got a good relationship with Bill, and this one fits real well."

Parcells and Ireland developed a close relationship in Dallas and continued to talk after Parcells retired. Once Parcells took the Dolphins job, Ireland's name was linked to Miami's GM position.

"I am excited about joining the Dolphins as their general manager," Ireland said in a statement. "I know the great tradition of the team, and in my mind they are one of the flagship franchises in the NFL. They have a great owner in Wayne Huizenga, who I know is committed to making the Dolphins into winners once again. I am looking forward to working with him and everyone else in Miami to achieve that goal.

"I also want to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys organization. I enjoyed my tenure with the team, and I would not be where I am today without the help of so many people there."

Ireland's departure could have further impact on the Cowboys should the Dolphins fire coach Cam Cameron. Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano would be a leading candidate to become head coach in Miami because of his ties to Parcells, who hired him in 2003, and Ireland. Also, Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles could be a candidate to become Miami's defensive coordinator.

Sparano and Garrett are scheduled to interview with Atlanta on Friday as the Falcons look for a new head coach. According to a source, Baltimore has requested permission to speak with Sparano and Garrett about its head coaching vacancy.

DMN file

Jeff Ireland joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2001.

As for Ireland's successor, Jones said Tom Ciskowski, the team's assistant director of college scouting for the last seven years, would conduct the draft work in the interim, although Jones said the team might not replace Ireland.

Ciskowski, who has been with the Cowboys since 1992, could be in play for a job in St. Louis should vice president/player personnel Tony Softli be dismissed. Ciskowski interviewed for the position two years ago.

"We don't have a concern because we have Tom Ciskowski," Jones said, "and he's going to be doing what he's been doing, and we have him under contract right now. That made this possible, too. We just hit the ground running on the draft and what we need to do this spring."

Even though he has lost Ireland and will have two top assistants interview for head coaching vacancies this week, Jones looks at the interest in his personnel as a good thing.

"When we were competing for Super Bowls, it was always there," Jones said. "I don't worry about it at all. I think Jason is doing a good job, and I'm fully aware that if we do good jobs around here, we're going to have people come after our personnel, on and off the field."