Webster promoted to director of player personnel

Updated: May 9, 2005, 5:18 PM ET

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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In a move that all but assures he will rebuff interest from other clubs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday promoted director of college scouting Ruston Webster to director of player personnel.

The promotion for Webster came amid reports that he had recently met with Miami coach Nick Saban about a potential position as the Dolphins personnel director. Bucs officials had granted Webster permission to meet with the Dolphins after reportedly denying a similar request from the Seattle Seahawks.

Webster and new Seahawks team president Tim Ruskell worked together for about 15 years in the Tampa Bay organization. In addition to the Webster promotion, the Bucs elevated longtime scout Dennis Hickey to director of college scouting.

"Ruston has been a dedicated and talented employee for our organization for nearly two decades, and we are pleased to promote him to this new position," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said in a statement. "In his new role, his responsibilities will include overseeing the pro and college departments. We believe this structure will enable us to fully maximize our front office talent."

Bumping Webster up the personnel ladder was certainly a move justified by his track record. In his 18th season with the club, including the last four as the director of college scouting, Webster has demonstrated not only a strong work ethic but keen insights. But the timing of the move, with the interest displayed by the Dolphins, probably is not just coincidental.

That said, NFL sources maintained on Monday that Miami is not close to hiring a new personnel chief, and that the Dolphins are just beginning to explore options. Rick Spielman remains in place as the Dolphins' general manager, but Saban inherited him, and might, in time, want to bring in his own scouting head.

If Spielman is replaced, his successor almost certainly will not have the title of general manager, and instead will function as director of personnel. Within the Miami structure, Saban has full control of all football-related matters.

Hickey is beginning his 10th season with the Bucs and has served as a college scout for the past seven seasons.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here .