ESPN NFL

The Miami Dolphins have started looking for replacements for retired halfback Ricky Williams.

For the moment, the job belongs to three-year backup Travis Minor, who has yet to start an NFL game. But Stacey Mack is coming in for a visit Wednesday, and the Dolphins are going to work out former Raiders and Dolphins halfback Terry Kirby.

Kirby has a history with current quarterbacks coach Marc Trestman from their days together with the Raiders. Even though Kirby hadn't been offered a contract during the past offseason, he has been working out with the hopes of playing for two more seasons.

Williams, who rushed for 3,225 yards in two seasons with the Dolphins, phoned from Hawaii last Friday to inform coach Dave Wannstedt of his decision, then continued his travels by flying to Tokyo.

According to the Miami Herald, Williams wants to travel the world and is tired of the demands and restraints of a professional football career.

"I just don't want to be in this business anymore," Williams told the paper. "I was never strong enough to not play football, but I'm strong enough now. I've considered everything about this. Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with my decision.

"I'm finally free. I can't remember ever being this happy."

Long ambivalent about life in the spotlight, Williams said there's no chance he'll change his mind. But agent Leigh Steinberg held out the possibility that the retirement could be temporary.

Williams might be back in South Florida by the end of the week, Steinberg said.

"Right now he seems at peace with his decision and intends to retire," Steinberg said. "Whether it ends up being short term or long term, we'll have to see."

For the Dolphins, Williams' departure is the latest setback in an abysmal offseason. It included an odd organizational reshuffling with the hiring of former quarterback Dan Marino, who resigned as vice president 22 days later.

The Dolphins acquired Williams before the 2002 season. He led the NFL that year with 1,853 yards rushing and broke nine team records. Last season, he ran for 1,372 yards.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.