While the Detroit Lions have to be the least inspiring story of the NFL season, the most inspiring has to be the turnaround of the Miami Dolphins. Only 1 win accomplished in 2007, the Marine Mammals grabbed 11 “W”s in 2008 - along with the AFC East title. And it can be argued it’s all thanks to the man brought in to right the Dolphins’ ship - Bill Parcells.

But on the brink of one of the best sports success stories to ever happen, there’s a chance that the Big Tuna may sail for other seas after only one season at the helm.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen explains that Parcells has a unique clause in his contract that could cause Bill to bolt - and let him take a whole lot of dough out the door:

When Parcells joined the Dolphins as executive vice president of football operations last year, his deal included a onetime out clause that would allow him to walk away, with the rest of his $12 million guaranteed contract fully paid, no strings attached, if (current owner Wayne) Huizenga were to sell the team. 

Well, Wayne found a buyer for his ball club - New York developer and part owner Stephen Ross. Huizenga agreed to sell Ross 95% of the team’s ownership, and he hopes to close the deal early next month - before Barack Obama takes office and implements his new captial gains tax strategy. (And to think of all those South Florida residents who voted for him.)

Worse for Miami, if Parcells latched on to another team, the Dolphins wouldn’t receive any compensation. It doesn’t seem like a very smart deal on the part of the Dolphins. But when you go 1-15, you’re not much in a great position for bargaining.

So once the sale goes through, Ross has 30 days to convince Parcells to stick around. However, it’s not an automatic that Bill will say bye-bye, thanks to his in-laws:

Among the teams sources say are on Parcells’ radar are the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders. However, if Parcells’ son-in-law, New England Patriots vice president Scott Pioli, is interested in any of those jobs, Parcells is unlikely to wind up with that team, Mortensen reported. 

Hmmm…trouble with relatives? And it’s not like any of the teams mentioned above are such plum pickings. Still, with the Big Tuna, you never know which stream he’ll waddle up next.