While it was expected for Harbaugh to defend his offensive coordinator in spite of his 1-15 record as Dolphins head coach last year, the comments clearly didn't go over well in the Dolphins locker room.One radio reporter made it a point to play a recording of Harbaugh's comments to get their reaction.
"With what he had to work with, I guess that's the key, huh?" said veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday. "What did we have to work with as players? You look at it and it's clear — this year we have a direction and a plan in place, and that's largely attributable to Coach (Bill) Parcells and Coach (Tony) Sparano. That's a big difference in leadership."
By the time linebacker Matt Roth got into the locker room and was asked about Harbaugh's comments, he already knew about them.
"If we get caught up in this game it won't look good," Roth said. "Believe what you want to believe. Last year was last year. ... We've been forewarned about this."
Roth later was asked for his thoughts on Cameron.
"Truthfully, I like Cam," he said. "I thought he was a good coach. It just didn't work. Sometimes it doesn't jell right. We have a good coach ... and we're jelling. Sometimes things just don't work. I felt he was a great coach, but I definitely feel comfortable with this new regime."
Holliday, meanwhile, said he didn't want to get into comparing Cameron and new Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano, but he did offer this: "Sparano is clear in what he wants to do. He has a plan. He's not going to waver. It's understood. You have to respect that.
"Sparano has been a better coach for us. I think we're going in the right direction. Two very different styles of coaching."