Could the Miami Dolphins Be Headed for a Major Shakeup?
The Miami Dolphins could face significant organizational changes this offseason, starting at the top of the front office. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, rumors are circulating that General Manager Chris Grier, 54, might step down from his current role to take on a senior advisor position with the team. Grier has been with the Dolphins since 2000, beginning as a scout and steadily rising through the ranks. His tenure as GM, which began in 2016, has been marked by mixed results. While the Dolphins have achieved four consecutive winning seasons and two playoff appearances, frustrations among fans and players have grown due to the team's inability to make a deep playoff run.
Jones notes that Dolphins owner and team president Stephen Ross, 84, may hesitate to embark on a search for a new general manager, given Grier’s popularity within the organization. This raises questions about the direction of the franchise if Grier transitions to an advisory role. Under Grier’s leadership, Miami has had its share of successes, including key acquisitions like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, glaring issues, such as a struggling offensive line and inconsistent backup quarterback planning, have drawn criticism. Before the season, Grier dismissed concerns about the offensive line, saying fans and media were “more worried than we are.” The season's outcome, however, has validated those concerns, with the line struggling to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and others stepping in due to injuries.
Tyreek Hill, one of the Dolphins' most prominent stars, has also voiced his discontent. After Miami ended the 2024 season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs, Hill hinted at a potential departure despite previously expressing his commitment to the team. "There’s a lot of things that I need to reassess about my career," Hill said after the season finale. "I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family… I’m gonna open that door for myself. ... It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I gotta do what’s best for my career." Hill’s contract, restructured earlier this year, complicates matters. Trading him would require financial maneuvering but could save the Dolphins a significant payout in 2026. Hill’s talent, demonstrated by his career-high 1,799 receiving yards in 2023, would undoubtedly attract suitors.
While Grier’s potential departure looms, head coach Mike McDaniel’s future is also under scrutiny. Owner Stephen Ross showed public support for McDaniel after a Week 16 win over the San Francisco 49ers, presenting him with a game ball. However, the Dolphins’ underperformance in 2024 and McDaniel’s perceived lack of growth as a coach has raised concerns about his long-term viability. If McDaniel fails to deliver in 2025, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver may emerge as a strong internal candidate for the head coach position. In his first year as DC, Weaver has transformed the Dolphins' defense into a top-ten unit despite significant challenges, including injuries to key players like Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. Weaver’s approach, balancing accountability and respect, has resonated with players and could make him a compelling option for the top job.
The Dolphins are at a crossroads. With Grier potentially stepping into a new role, Tyreek Hill expressing frustration, and McDaniel facing mounting pressure, the organization must make critical decisions to maintain competitiveness in a tough AFC landscape. As Miami prepares for its offseason, the team’s direction will hinge on whether Grier retires, the fate of its key players, and McDaniel’s ability to adapt and deliver. Change may be inevitable, but whether it propels the Dolphins forward or sets them back remains to be seen.
