Change brewing in Miami

The Dolphins, who beat the New York Jets, 23-21, yesterday to become the first 10-win team since 1991 not to make the playoffs, will hold a news conference today to announce Wannstedt's return, sources said.

Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga declined to comment on his plans.

"We'll do that today," Huizenga said when asked to evaluate Wannstedt's job performance.

Wannstedt is 41-23 in the regular season during his four seasons with the Dolphins, but has missed the playoffs the last two seasons.

Former New Orleans general manager Randy Mueller is considered the front-runner for the GM job. Mueller was the NFL Executive of the Year in 2000 with New Orleans. He helped the Saints reach the playoffs that year and made a series of major personnel moves, including the trade of running back Ricky Williams to the Dolphins in 2002. Personnel men Tim Ruskell of Tampa Bay and Tom Modrak of Buffalo also are on the team's list of candidates.

Hiring a general manager would signify a change in the power structure of the Dolphins that has existed for approximately 30 years. Starting with coach Don Shula in the early 1970s and extending through Jimmy Johnson and Wannstedt, the team's coach has had control over personnel, including the college draft and free agency.

Wannstedt was at times combative and belligerent as he tried to deflect questions about reports that he would come back and be stripped of the power over personnel decisions.

"I'm going to visit with Wayne in the next day or two," Wannstedt said. "I saw him before the game and we talked about the game a little bit . . . Now is not the time because I don't know anything. Nothing has been determined."

Wannstedt admitted he had talked with club president Eddie Jones. According to multiple sources, Jones told Wannstedt that he would return. Wannstedt, whose contract is up after the 2004 season, might even receive a one-year extension to keep him from being considered a lame-duck coach. The hiring of a general manager also will likely lead to either the exit of vice president of football operations Rick Spielman or a reduced role for him.