At a Glance
- Troy Aikman will advise the Dolphins in their search for a new general manager.
- The team fired longtime GM Chris Grier on Oct. 31 after a 2-7 start.
- Head coach Mike McDaniel has stayed on and welcomed the outside help.
- Champ Kelly is the interim GM.
Why it matters: Aikman’s NFL experience could shape the Dolphins’ future roster and leadership.
The Miami Dolphins have brought Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman into their front-office as they look for a new general manager. The move follows the dismissal of longtime GM Chris Grier after a 2-7 start, leaving coach Mike McDaniel in a tough spot. Aikman, now an ESPN analyst, will serve only during the search.
Aikman Joins the Search
Aikman, who guided the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories, will advise the Dolphins during the GM hunt. He is not expected to stay beyond the search, ESPN reported. McDaniel welcomed the outside help.
Mike McDaniel stated:
> “I’m not opposed to more information, ever. I think Troy Aikman speaks for himself in terms of his relationships that he’s had within the National Football League, and (he) knows a lot of things. That information is a positive to me.”
Team Turmoil and Current Record
The Dolphins fired GM Chris Grier on Oct. 31 after a 2-7 start. McDaniel has remained head coach despite job-security questions, and the team is 7-9 heading into the Sunday finale against the New England Patriots. Senior personnel executive Champ Kelly is the interim GM.
Aikman’s Broadcast Critique
Aikman has been in the broadcast booth since retiring, and he called the Dolphins’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 15. He was highly critical of McDaniel’s fourth-quarter decision-making and clock management.
Troy Aikman said:
> “This is about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in quite a long time.”
Mike McDaniel said:
> “So you’re telling me he didn’t like us not scoring points and taking up too much time. Neither did I. That was not the intent. And he’s doing his job. … Doesn’t bother me in the least. As a matter of fact, I think it would be funny if it did.”
Key Takeaways
- Troy Aikman will advise the Dolphins during the GM search.
- Chris Grier was fired after a 2-7 start; the team is 7-9.
- Aikman criticized McDaniel’s fourth-quarter decisions during a broadcast.
With Aikman’s guidance, the Dolphins hope to find a GM who can steer the franchise back to winning form. The team’s current 7-9 record underscores the urgency of the search.
