FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 01: Troy Aikman on the panel for ESPNÕs Monday Night Countdown in warm up before a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on December 1, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 01 Giants at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482251201051
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 01: Troy Aikman on the panel for ESPNÕs Monday Night Countdown in warm up before a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on December 1, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 01 Giants at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482251201051
Jan 3, 2026, 3:32 AM CUT
Hall of Famer Troy Aikman Joins Dolphins’ GM Search
After the Miami Dolphins let go of Chris Grier in October last year, they’ve been on a hunt for their next general manager since. Now, a Hall of Famer has answered their call.
Troy Aikman, a former NFL QB and an ESPN analyst, has agreed to take up the advisory job. According to an X post by NFL insider Adam Schefter, “It is not a permanent role, but he will be an advisor throughout the process for the Dolphins’ next GM.”
The franchise’s chairman, Stephen Ross, is reported to seek “additional perspectives on the team's direction,” and make use of Aikman’s connections across the league and quarterback career with the Dallas Cowboys.
According to the Miami Herald, as a consultant, the former quarterback will evaluate candidates, sit in during interviews, and have “a consistent dialogue with owner Stephen Ross throughout.”
During their Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aikman heavily criticized the Dolphins’ decision-makers. However, head coach Mike McDaniel took it well and welcomed Aikman on board.
“I’m not opposed to more information,” he said on Friday.
“Troy Aikman speaks for himself in terms of relationships he has had in the National Football League and knows a lot of things. Information is a positive to me; being able to resource that, I’m excited for that,” added McDaniel. And after over a decade of poor performances, it's no surprise that McDaniel is excited.
Miami Dolphins’ Dud Years
In his nine-year stint with the Dolphins, from 2016 to 2025, Chris Grier couldn’t manage any major wins for the team. In 2015, their regular-season record stood at 0-1, and the Dolphins have made only three playoff appearances in 2016, 2022, and 2023. The team hasn’t won any division titles either.
Currently, their points per game average around 21.1 (22nd in the league), compared to their opponents’ average of 24.1. Their rush yards average is 123.8, and pass yards are at 199.1 (ranked 26th in the league).
As interviews are expected to begin next week, sources say the team is hoping that the “next GM is on a strong scouting background.”
The Dolphins haven’t won a single postseason game in 25 years. So the question is: Can Aikman help them turn things around?
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi