The Grim Reaper has come for a long-term member of the Miami Dolphins‘ front office.
General manager Chris Grier and the organization have agreed to part ways, the team announced Friday morning. The Dolphins are now 2-7 on the season following Thursday night’s 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
“This morning, I made the decision along with general manager Chris Grier to mutually part ways,” team owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. “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. 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. 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.”
Ross also said that he remains “committed to building a winning team that consistently competes for championships.”
The 55-year-old Grier had been in Miami’s front office since 2000. He started as a scout with the franchise from 2000-02 and would later serve as assistant director of college scouting (2003-07) and director of college scouting (2007-15) before becoming Miami’s general manager in 2016.
Kelly is in his first season with Miami, having previously served as a senior personnel executive. He previously held front-office roles with the Las Vegas Raiders (2022-24), Chicago Bears (2015-21) and Denver Broncos (2007-14).
Head coach Mike McDaniel, who’s in his fourth season at the helm in Miami, will keep his position through the regular season, per ESPN. Following back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, the Dolphins went 8-9 and missed the playoffs last season. Miami has made the playoffs just four times since 2001 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2000, which is the longest drought in the NFL.
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