Potential GM Successors Emerge After Dolphins’ Grier Departure
The Miami Dolphins have entered a significant transition phase, seeking a new general manager after Chris Grier’s recent departure from the role. This marks the first time in nearly ten years that the franchise will search for an executive to helm its front office. As the team prepares for the upcoming trade deadline, Champ Kelly, who joined the organization in March as a senior personnel executive, will serve as the interim general manager.
Potential Candidates for GM Position
While Kelly may be a contender for the permanent position, several other qualified individuals are also in the mix. It’s important to note that candidates currently employed with other teams cannot be interviewed until January at the earliest. Here are some noteworthy names that could succeed Grier:
- Alec Halaby – Assistant GM, Philadelphia Eagles
- Andy Weidl – Assistant GM, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Ian Cunningham – Assistant GM, Chicago Bears
- Nick Matteo – Vice President of Football Administration, Baltimore Ravens
- Ed Dodds – Assistant GM, Indianapolis Colts
- Glenn Cook – Assistant GM, Cleveland Browns
- Chad Alexander – Assistant GM, Los Angeles Chargers
- Will McClay – Vice President of Player Personnel, Dallas Cowboys
- Ray Agnew – Assistant GM, Detroit Lions
- Mike Greenberg – Assistant GM, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jon-Eric Sullivan – Vice President of Player Personnel, Green Bay Packers
A former quarterback at Harvard, Halaby has climbed the ranks within the Eagles’ front office. He became the assistant GM in 2022 and is known for his blend of traditional scouting and analytics.
Previously the Eagles’ vice president of player personnel, Weidl was hired by Pittsburgh’s GM Omar Kahn in 2022 due to his strong evaluating skills.
Cunningham has experience with both the Ravens and Eagles. He was promoted through various roles in Philadelphia, becoming notable for his scouting expertise.
Matteo has extensive NFL management experience and recently interviewed for the Panthers’ GM job.
Dodds has a strong track record in player evaluation and has worked in various roles with the Seahawks and Colts since 2017.
The former Miami Hurricanes linebacker has drawn attention for his personnel insights despite Cleveland’s recent struggles.
With two decades in personnel within the Ravens organization, Alexander is known for his keen scouting abilities.
McClay has built a reputable personnel department for the Cowboys, leveraging his coaching background for effective evaluations.
In his fifth season with Detroit, Agnew’s diverse experiences make him a strong candidate for a GM role.
Greenberg played a significant role in player contracts during the Tom Brady era and kept the roster competitive during resets.
With a background in scouting and player development, Sullivan has become an invaluable asset in Green Bay.
Considerations Moving Forward
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross faces a crucial decision in selecting a successor to Grier. He must weigh the choice between hiring a candidate with a progressive analytics approach or someone with a traditional scouting background. The success of the next general manager will largely depend on understanding the team’s needs and building a competitive roster for future seasons.
