Dolphins owner Steve Ross says he’s bringing back GM Chris Grier, coach Mike McDaniel

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Miami Dolphins are bringing back general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel for the 2025 season.

Owner Steve Ross released a statement Sunday night saying he’s bringing back the tandem after the team was eliminated with Miami’s season ending in a 32-20 loss against the New York Jets.

“As we now look towards 2025, our football operation will continue to be led Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel with my full support,” Ross said in his statement. “Their positive working relationship is an asset to the Dolphins, and I believe in the value of stability.”

The Dolphins’ 2024 season, one with aspirations to win a playoff game, did not even result in a playoff berth as the team finished 8-9, its first losing season since 2019.

“Continuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that the status quo is good enough,” Ross continued in his statement. “We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships.

“As the owner of this team, I am ultimately accountable for our successes and failures. We fell short of our expectations this season, and I understand and share in the frustration in our performance on the field.”

McDaniel made clear he expects to return in leading the team in 2025 when he spoke immediately following the team’s loss to the Jets.

“My full expectation is to be back,” said McDaniel, adding he has the understanding an 8-9 record is not acceptable and with a determination to correct those shortcomings.

The Dolphins coach was also asked about Grier, who will speak to the media for a season wrap-up session Tuesday.

“My full expectation is our relationship will continue to be strong and a working relationship, for sure,” McDaniel said.

Grier has been with the Dolphins since 2000. The Dolphins won a playoff game in his first year with the organization and never again since.

He took over as GM in 2016 but became the franchise’s true decision-maker in 2019. In his first three seasons as GM, he was the second voice when it came to roster decisions with Mike Tannenbaum serving as executive vice president of football operations.

Before Grier got the GM title in 2016, he was director of college scouting from 2007 to 2015. He was assistant director of college scouting from 2003 to 2007 and got his start with the Dolphins as a scout from 2000 to 2002. He was a scout with the New England Patriots before he joined Miami.

McDaniel was hired by the Dolphins in 2022. His record in three full seasons is 28-25, including playoffs.

This story will be updated.

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