Chris Grier has stepped down as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins, just after the team faced a tough loss against the Baltimore Ravens, bringing their record to 2-7. The decision was made together with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. Champ Kelly will take over as interim GM for the rest of the season.
Ross praised Grier, who had been with the Dolphins for 26 years, saying, “I have incredible respect for Chris and his family.” He acknowledged a need for change, emphasizing the team’s goal to improve now and in the future.
Grier’s tenure saw five winning seasons and three playoff appearances, but the Dolphins have not won a playoff game in 25 years—now the longest drought in the NFL.
Head coach Mike McDaniel remains in his position but is under pressure. He spoke candidly about the frustration stemming from the team’s performance. While he has had serious talks with Ross throughout the season, he maintains a steady demeanor with the media. “No,” he said when asked if Ross’s tone had changed, asserting that communication has been consistent.
Despite previous claims that trade rumors regarding Dolphins players were baseless, McDaniel hinted at the reality of such discussions, given the team’s record. For example, linebacker Bradley Chubb has been mentioned as a potential trade target. In contrast, a team source indicated that wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is not on the trading block.
Just days before Grier’s departure, the Dolphins ended a three-game losing streak with a win over the Atlanta Falcons. However, their recent loss highlighted ongoing execution issues, and penalties and turnovers often hindered their play.
McDaniel expressed his disappointment over the team’s performance, stating, “It’s frustrating because you’re doing everything you can to problem-solve.” He believes the message is still reaching players, who have not given up on him. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick echoed this sentiment: “We need to represent ourselves and the team well, regardless of our record.”
In recent years, NFL teams that face similar struggles often look to make dramatic changes in hopes of turning things around. Data shows that teams that shift their coaching staff tend to perform better the following season. McDaniel faces the challenge of keeping morale high while navigating these changes.
As the trade deadline approaches, players are focused on improving their performance. “We’ve got more opportunities whether our record is 2-7 or 7-2,” Fitzpatrick added. This resilience could prove essential for the Dolphins as they seek to reverse their fortunes this season.
You can read more about the Dolphins’ situation and expectations on ESPN here.
