Dolphins Reportedly On Brink Of “Total Front-Office Makeover”

Jeff Darlington of NFL Media reports that there’s a battle for power within the Dolphins’ organization that has to divisions within the franchise.

Sources tells Darlington that vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum is likely to come out on top when all is said and done as the main decision-maker in Miami.

This shouldn’t come as a major surprise, given that there have been numerous reports in recent days that GM Dennis Hickey is likely to be fired or relocated to a different position within the Dolphins’ front office.

Darlington’s sources believe the Dolphins are on the brink of a total front-office makeover that’s likely to result in Tannenbaum assuming a czar-like role.

According to Darlington, Tannenbaum and Hickey haven’t been speaking much. Instead, Hickey is reportedly spending time watching games with the scouting department while Tannenbaum watches their games with owner Stephen Ross.

As of now, the Dolphins plan to move forward without Hickey as their GM. Darlington reports that Tannenbaum is willing to hire a GM to oversee the scouting department, but he’s also willing to give up authority over roster decisions for the right candidate.

Interestingly enough, Darlington reports that assistant general manager Eric Stokes is likely to be replaced while director of college scouting Chris Grier and director of pro personnel Anthony Hunt have positioned themselves in Tannenbaum’s camp. Beyond that, Grier could end up as the Dolphins’ next general manager if Tannenbaum retains control of the team’s roster.

As for vice president of football administration Dawn Aponte, her future is “far more complicated,” according to Darlington. Ross reportedly holds her in high regards, but her duties could be assumed by Tannenbaum.

Tannenbaum and his confidants do not believe interim HC Dan Campbell is ready to be a permanent head coach.

One interesting note from Darlington is that some within the Dolphins are pushing Dan Marino to take a more significant day-to-day role with the team.

We’ll have more regarding changes to the Dolphins front office and coaching staff as the news is available.