Grier out as Fins GM; McDaniel to finish season

Chris Grier is out as Miami Dolphins general manager the team announced Friday, but head coach Mike McDaniel will keep his position through at least the regular season, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Dolphins announced that the move was a mutual decision between Grier and the organization Friday morning, less than 24 hours after Miami fell to 2-7 with a 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Champ Kelly will be Miami’s interim general manager the rest of the season.

Jaylen Waddle — but that was before Grier’s dismissal. Linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb have consistently been named as potential trade targets come next week’s deadline.

When asked after Thursday’s game, Chubb said that decision is out of his control and Phillips said his preference was to stay with Miami — where he played his final season of college football and was drafted in the first round in 2021.

The Dolphins snapped a three-game losing streak last week with a win over the Atlanta Falcons, but were blown out at home just four days later. Despite outgaining the Ravens in the first half and possessing the ball longer, Miami trailed 14-6 at halftime after a series of penalties, turnovers and miscues.

Players and coaches said after the game that their execution was not up to a winning standard, which McDaniel said Friday was «frustrating» for all parties involved at this point in the season.

«I think it’s something that occurs really every year to a degree,» he said. «But it’s frustrating as all get out because you’re trying to focus on it and you’re doing different things to problem-solve it. … In my position, I’m not afforded the opportunity to have emotions all the time. Yeah, it’s frustrating, but I can’t stop. I have to continue to try to focus on ways to reach people and get things done because it can’t occur.»

McDaniel said he believes his message is still getting through to players, and multiple players in the locker room have said the team hasn’t quit on its coach.

But at 2-7, as evidenced by Ross’ decision to part ways with Grier, the Dolphins’ season has nearly hit an insurmountable low. While Kelly decides the best way to move forward with Tuesday’s trade deadline rapidly approaching, Dolphins players are focused on continuing to do their job regardless of the team’s record.

«It’s hard. It’s tough, but the thing is we’ve got more opportunities whether our record is 2-7 or 7-2,» safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said. «We’re going out there, and you’re representing yourself, representing your team, your organization. We need to go out there and play at a high level, so that’s what you’ve got to encourage guys to do.»