Miami Brings In Green Bay Executive to Lead Rebuild
The Miami Dolphins have hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager, the team announced Friday. Sullivan, who spent the past 22 years with the Green Bay Packers, replaces Chris Grier and becomes the architect of a comprehensive franchise overhaul in South Florida.
Sullivan was selected from a field of four finalists and comes to Miami with extensive personnel experience. As the Packers’ vice president of player personnel since 2022, he worked closely with General Manager Brian Gutekunst to build a perennial playoff contender that reached the postseason six of the past seven seasons.
Immediate Priorities for New Dolphins GM
Sullivan’s first major responsibility will be hiring a new head coach to replace Mike McDaniel, who was fired Thursday following the team’s 7-10 finish in 2025. Owner Stephen Ross stated the organization requires “comprehensive change” after consecutive losing seasons.
Beyond the coaching search, Sullivan must navigate a complex quarterback situation involving former No. 5 overall pick Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback was benched after Week 15 and expressed openness to a fresh start elsewhere. Releasing Tagovailoa carries significant financial consequences, with a $56.4 million cap hit in 2026 and potential dead cap charges exceeding $99 million if cut before June 1.
Sullivan’s Background and Experience
Sullivan joined Green Bay in 2003 as a scouting intern and rose through the organization’s personnel ranks. He was on the Packers’ scouting staff when they won Super Bowl XLV following the 2010 season. His appointment to Dolphins GM marks his first head role in the NFL.
The 51-year-old is the son of Jerry Sullivan, a longtime NFL and college coach who spent more than four decades in football and served as the Dolphins’ wide receivers coach in 2004.
Context and Next Steps
Sullivan will enter his first season with Miami alongside whomever the organization hires as head coach. The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000 and experienced seven losing seasons during Chris Grier’s tenure as general manager from 2016 through 2024.
