ClutchPoints
A messy season in Miami keeps rewriting itself, and this week it was the front office. Owner Stephen Ross parted ways with longtime GM Chris Grier, and the prevailing league read, as framed by Albert Breer, is that Ross wants a new football boss in place to evaluate Mike McDaniel on the fly.
Breer’s bet is simple: Ross gives the next decision-maker a clear look at the operation before deciding on the coach, while acknowledging McDaniel would be highly employable if he were cut loose as a head coach or top offensive mind.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel spoke publicly about the move and struck a measured tone. “Chris is a guy I’ve worked with every day since I’ve been here. I’m a human being, that’s an emotional toll when you realize things are going to be different,” he said, via ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.
He added that his feelings are irrelevant compared to his responsibility, and that he must keep the team focused on preparing for Buffalo.
That sentiment matches the reality of the next two weeks. A new general manager will be hired, and Miami’s remaining schedule will serve as McDaniel’s living resume.
The on-field mandate is straightforward. They need to stabilize the turnovers, find answers for situational offense, and keep the locker room locked in. Ross and team president Tom Garfinkel will be looking for proof of concept that the current staff can build a consistent identity around Tua Tagovailoa’s extension and a reshaped roster.
McDaniel’s comments also land at a time when the Dolphins are reassessing their 2025 posture. With Grier out, Miami has already shown it is willing to make hard calls on personnel to rebalance cap and draft assets.
Any short-term turbulence puts more weight on coaching details, game management, and how the staff develops young players down the stretch.
Philadelphia’s aggressiveness underscores what the rest of the league thinks of premium defensive talent. The Eagles acquired Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips for a 2026 third-round pick, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after reported interest from multiple teams and with Miami seeking at least a third, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
The price confirms the market, and it leaves Miami thinner on the edge while adding future flexibility.
For Miami, the calculus is clear. The front office reset is done, and the audition has started. McDaniel’s words say he is focused; now the results have to echo it.
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