Bill Parcells' time in Miami is slowly coming to an end, but his short stay will have a long-term effect on the Dolphins' franchise.
As of Monday, Parcells is no longer taking part in day-to-day operations for the team.
Parcells announced he would be stepping down as vice president of football operations after Week 1 this season. His latest move was just the next step in his inevitable departure, but for now he is going on a leave of absence, according to The Miami Herald.
There is no set date for the end of his leave. Regardless of when it ends, he will not be moving back into his old office.
Parcells did not attend Miami's road games this season, but now he may not attend any home games, either.
He will still be involved with the organization, though. Parcells is reportedly willing to offer his assistance before next year's draft, but a club source told the newspaper that it is unclear whether he will have any say.
Parcells' departure is not expected to be a distraction to Miami, but it will be felt.
Often seen as a safety net to GM Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano, Parcells will no longer be there to defend them. The Super Bowl champion garnered so much respect, that if he said a player should stay, that player stayed.
Now Ireland and Sparano will be left on their own to prove they can lead the Dolphins to the playoffs.
