The Miami Dolphins have hired Hall of Fame quarterback and ESPN analyst Troy Aikman as a consultant to assist in their general manager search, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The three-time Super Bowl champion’s role will not be permanent; he will serve as an advisor throughout the search for the Dolphins’ next general manager.
Despite Aikman’s lack of front-office experience, it’s common for teams to bring in fresh perspectives as they seek new leadership. Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers served as a key advisor during Washington’s coaching search.
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Former New England Patriots quarterback and Fox analyst Tom Brady also serves as an advisor to Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, who is a minority owner.
Brady provides the Raiders with insights on football operations, player acquisitions and coaching searches. Brady has been criticized for having conflicts of interest in his role as a broadcaster and team owner.
The biggest difference between Aikman’s role and Brady’s is that Aikman does not own the team and his position is temporary. Aikman’s role with the Dolphins will end once the Dolphins find their next general manager.
In October, the Dolphins decided to part ways with former general manager Chris Grier after the team’s 2-7 start. Grier has served as general manager since 2016, leading the team to five winning seasons and three playoff appearances during his tenure.
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The new general manager will need to work with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to determine the future direction of the franchise. The first order of business will be deciding whether head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will remain with the team next year.
McDaniel is 35-34 as Dolphins head coach and has missed the playoffs the past two seasons. Tagovailoa is coming off his worst season as a starting quarterback. McDaniel’s contract runs through the 2028 season.
Tagovailoa’s 15 interceptions were the second-worst in the NFL, and he was benched by seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers. Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension that runs through the 2028 season.
