The Miami Dolphins have made a significant change to their organization. Does it involve firing head coach Mike McDaniel?
Dolphins Fire GM
The Miami Dolphins and general manager Chris Grier have mutually agreed to part ways. pic.twitter.com/pEoBprg8cn
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 31, 2025
Miami will have a new general manager to start the 2026 season. General manager Chris Grier is out, the team announced Friday.
“This morning, I made the decision, along with general manager Chris Grier, to mutually part ways,” Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement posted on the team’s website. “I have incredible respect for Chris and his family, and I want to thank him for his many contributions to the Miami Dolphins over the past 26 years.
The news comes one day after the Dolphins lost 28-6 to the Baltimore Ravens, taking their record to 2-7. Champ Kelly will serve as the Dolphins’ interim general manager for the rest of the season.
“As I assessed the state of the team and in my discussions with Chris, it became clear to both of us that change could not wait. We must improve — in 2025, 2026 and beyond — and it needs to start right now,” Ross said. “Champ Kelly will serve as interim general manager effective immediately, and we will begin our search process for a new general manager. I want to thank Champ for stepping up and his commitment to the Dolphins’ success this season. There is a lot of football left to play and we all need to fight even harder.”
Grier has been with the organization since 2000 and has served as the general manager since 2016. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game in 25 years, the longest active drought in the NFL.
Mike McDaniel’s Future in Miami
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel will remain Miami’s head coach for the remainder of the season at least, per sources. pic.twitter.com/2MCImhDSCU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2025
Change had to occur at some point this season for the Dolphins. Firing Grier after a Thursday night game — with this weekend serving as a mini-bye before the Dolphins return to action on Nov. 9 — makes sense.
Many believed McDaniel would be the one that the Dolphins fired after Thursday night’s game. However, McDaniel will remain the coach for the remainder of the season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday.
Notice how Schefter’s report says “the remainder of the season.” If the Dolphins finish the season with four or five wins, there is a strong chance Ross fires McDaniel right after the team’s last regular-season game.
McDaniel’s tenure started off promising. The Dolphins made the postseason in each of McDaniel’s first two seasons. However, Miami lost in the Wild Card Round in 2022 and 2023.
This season has been a nightmare. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has regressed considerably from his 2023 season, when he led the NFL in passing yards.
Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending leg injury, and most don’t expect him to play for the Dolphins next season.
With the Nov. 4 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Dolphins could look to trade numerous players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and Jaelan Phillips have been in constant trade rumors for weeks.
The Dolphins (2-7) return to action on Nov. 9 against the Buffalo Bills (5-2).
