Troy Aikman Joins Miami Dolphins in GM Search

A prominent figure in the NFL, Troy Aikman—a Pro Football Hall of Famer and current ESPN analyst—has been brought on to assist the Miami Dolphins in their search for a new general manager (GM). This comes after the Dolphins parted ways with former GM Chris Grier on Halloween, following a lengthy tenure that spanned over nine seasons.

Aikman’s Role in the GM Search

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Aikman is not a candidate for the position but will consult and participate in interviews. His role is expected to resemble that of former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers, who played a pivotal part in the Washington Commanders’ search for coaching and front office talent two years ago. However, unlike Myers, Aikman is not expected to remain with the organization after the completion of the hiring process.

"Aikman is expected to sit in on interviews as part of his role," Pelissero reported.

Background of the Dolphins’ GM Position

The Dolphins are targeting a GM with a strong background in scouting. Interviews are anticipated to commence next week, marking a significant transition for an organization that has not conducted a GM search since 2014. Owner Stephen Ross has reached out to Aikman for his extensive network and external perspective on potential candidates.

Current Team Status

Since Grier’s dismissal, Champ Kelly has stepped in as the interim GM. Under Kelly’s leadership, the Dolphins have rallied from an initial 2-7 record to a 7-9 standing in the current season. Despite this improvement, the team has faced challenges, including injuries to key players like Tyreek Hill, raising questions about head coach Mike McDaniel’s job security.

Key Points to Consider

• Involvement of Troy Aikman: Not a candidate, but serving as a consultant.
• Target Profile: GM candidates are likely to have a strong scouting background.
• Current Team Dynamics: The Dolphins started poorly but have shown resilience under interim leadership.
• Future Uncertainty: Questions loom about the stability of the head coach amidst injury woes.

Upcoming Broadcasts

Despite his new advisory position, Aikman’s commitments as an ESPN analyst remain unaffected. He is scheduled to feature in the Monday Night Football broadcast for the upcoming match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

Conclusion

As the Dolphins embark on this crucial search for a general manager, the involvement of a figure as respected as Troy Aikman signals Miami’s commitment to enhancing its front office. The right hire could potentially shift the team’s trajectory and address longstanding challenges, setting the stage for success in the upcoming seasons.

For more on NFL management trends, check out NFL.com and stay tuned for updates as Miami continues its search.