Former Las Vegas Raiders assistant and interim general manager Champ Kelly is taking over the Miami Dolphins following the team’s decision to part ways with Chris Grier. The move comes just a day after Miami’s 28-6 prime-time loss to the Baltimore Ravens on October 30, which dropped the team to 2-7.
“This morning, I made the decision along with general manager Chris Grier to mutually part ways,” owner Stephen Ross said in a statement (h/t Pro Football Talk). “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.”
In the statement that revealed that Grier was no longer the general manager of the Dolphins, Miami also stated that Kelly would now be the interim general manager.
Ex-Raiders Executive Could Keep Dolphins Job
Two years ago, Kelly, who was with the Silver and Black from 2022 to 2024, took over as the Raiders’ interim general manager following the Halloween dismissals of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler. At that time, the trade deadline had already passed. He’s in a different position this year, getting a four-day jump and holding several potential trade assets.
On October 31, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Dolphins have fielded trade inquiries in recent weeks for several key players but declined to move any of them. According to the NFL insider, those names include wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, linebackers Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Matthew Judon, as well as cornerback Rasul Douglas.
Now sitting at 2-7 with Kelly running the front office, Miami could be open for business ahead of the deadline. If Kelly can secure enough returns for their assets and kickstart a rebuild, then it might be enough for Ross to give him the job permanently.
Mike McDaniel Will Stay With Dolphins for Now
Unlike the Raiders situation, where the coach was also fired in a clean house situation, Kelly will be working with head coach Mike McDaniel, who appears to be safe for now.
Minutes after the Dolphins parted ways with Grier, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on October 31, citing sources, that McDaniel will stay on as the team’s head coach through the remainder of the season. Despite the Dolphins’ rough patch this season, Ross seems to believe that Grier bears more responsibility for Miami’s struggles than McDaniel.
McDaniel was brought in before the 2022 season after the team parted ways with Brian Flores. In just over three seasons leading the Dolphins, McDaniel has guided the team to a 30–30 record and secured playoff berths in both 2022 and 2023.
While Miami’s postseason runs ended in the wild-card round each year, it was the first time the franchise reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2001. It will be interesting to see if Kelly somehow holds onto this job, decides to part ways with McDaniel, and brings in his head coach, or chooses to continue to work together.
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