### Dolphins Seek Hall of Fame Expertise in General Manager Search The Miami Dolphins are enlisting the help of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman as a consultant in their search for a new general manager. This decision follows the firing of longtime GM Chris Grier after a disappointing start to the season, with the team holding a 2-7 record at the time of his dismissal. Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys and current ESPN analyst, is expected to provide valuable insights during this critical hiring process, although he will not be a candidate for the position himself. The Dolphins are currently under the interim management of Champ Kelly as they aim to find a suitable replacement who can lead the franchise back to success after years of underperformance [https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dolphins-turning-hall-fame-quarterback-help-find-next-general-manager, https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-troy-aikman-0f99bb81bd7bae2b898e59ccf594573d]. ### Structure of the Dolphins' GM Search Process 1. **Background Context** - The Dolphins fired Chris Grier on October 31, 2025, after a poor season start. - Troy Aikman has been brought in as a consultant to assist in the search for a new GM. - Champ Kelly is currently serving as the interim GM. 2. **Role of Troy Aikman** - Aikman will provide advisory support but is not a candidate for the GM position. - His involvement is seen as a way to bring an experienced perspective to the hiring process. 3. **Team's Objectives** - The Dolphins aim to find a general manager capable of building a Super Bowl contender. - The franchise has struggled with a long playoff win drought, making this search critical for future success. 4. **Fan and Media Reactions** - The hiring of Aikman has generated mixed reactions among fans and analysts, with some expressing skepticism about the decision. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Chris Grier's Tenure**: Under Grier, the Dolphins had a record of 77-80, with three playoff appearances but no postseason victories, marking the longest playoff win drought in NFL history [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/legendary_qb_troy_aikman_helping_miami_dolphins_gm_search/s1_17198_43277415]. - **Aikman's Credentials**: Aikman is a three-time Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowl selection, bringing significant experience to the advisory role [https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/3442768/report-aikman-to-consult-on-dolphins-gm-search]. - **Current Management**: Champ Kelly's interim role is a temporary solution as the Dolphins seek a permanent GM to lead the franchise [https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-nfl-fans-react-dolphins-sign-troy-aikman-consultant-aid-gm-search]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Dolphins In summary, the Miami Dolphins are strategically leveraging the expertise of Troy Aikman to navigate their search for a new general manager. This decision reflects the franchise's urgent need to revitalize its management and improve its performance on the field. The involvement of a respected figure like Aikman is expected to enhance the search process, although the ultimate success will depend on the team's ability to select a candidate who can break the cycle of underachievement. 1. **Firing of Chris Grier**: The Dolphins parted ways with their GM after a disappointing season start. 2. **Hiring of Troy Aikman**: Aikman is brought in as a consultant to provide guidance during the GM search. 3. **Goals for the Future**: The team aims to find a leader who can build a competitive roster and end the playoff win drought. 4. **Mixed Reactions**: The decision has sparked varied responses from fans and analysts, highlighting the high stakes involved in this search [https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/01/02/troy-aikman-to-advise-miami-dolphins-in-search-for-new-gm].