Jon-Eric Sullivan Named Miami Dolphins GM: First Step in Organizational Rebuild

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins have taken a major step toward rebuilding their franchise, officially hiring Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager. Sullivan, a longtime executive with the Green Bay Packers, becomes the first cornerstone of Miami’s front-office overhaul following the midseason departure of longtime GM Chris Grier.

The announcement, confirmed by the Dolphins on Friday night, marks a pivotal moment for a franchise that has struggled to maintain consistent playoff success despite high expectations in recent years.

A Visionary Leader Steps Into the GM Role

Sullivan expressed his excitement about the opportunity in a statement released by the Dolphins:

“What an incredible honor it is to serve as general manager of the Miami Dolphins, an organization of history, tradition and great pride. I want to express my gratitude to [owner] Stephen Ross and his family for this exceptional opportunity and the belief they’ve placed in me to lead this storied franchise forward.”

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman was also involved in the hiring process, reflecting the organization’s commitment to bringing in respected voices from across the league.

Sullivan’s Impressive NFL Background

Jon-Eric Sullivan brings 22 seasons of experience with the Green Bay Packers to his new role. He started as a scouting intern in 2003 before joining the team’s football operations department full-time in 2004. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming vice president of player personnel in 2022.

During his tenure with Green Bay, Sullivan oversaw both the college and pro scouting departments, working closely with Packers GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur. His tenure coincided with consistent playoff appearances, including three postseason berths in the last four seasons, achieved through a combination of smart drafting, free-agent signings, and strategic trades.

Key Accomplishments With Green Bay

Some highlights of Sullivan’s work in Green Bay include:

• Drafting Jordan Love in 2020, who has become a key backup and developmental quarterback.

• Acquiring defensive lineman Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade with Dallas ahead of the 2025 season.

• Free-agent signings like cornerback Keisean Nixon (2022) and safety Xavier McKinney (2024), both of whom have earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.

These accomplishments underscore Sullivan’s ability to identify talent, evaluate fit, and construct competitive rosters.

Family Ties and Football Pedigree

Football runs in Sullivan’s blood. He is the son of Jerry Sullivan, a longtime NFL and college coach who served as the Dolphins’ receivers coach in 2004. Jon-Eric himself played college football as a wide receiver at Gardner-Webb University and South Carolina, combining firsthand playing experience with his executive insight.

Before joining the Packers, Sullivan also spent a few years in the corporate world, giving him a broader perspective on management and operations—skills that will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of running an NFL franchise.

Immediate Tasks: Head Coach Search and Roster Decisions

One of Sullivan’s first challenges as Dolphins GM is to hire a new head coach, following the dismissal of Mike McDaniel after a 7-10 season in which the team missed the playoffs for a second straight year.

Potential candidates linked to the job include:

• John Harbaugh, former Baltimore Ravens head coach, though the Dolphins reportedly have not pursued him aggressively.

• Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator, who worked closely with Sullivan in Green Bay.

• Mike McCarthy, longtime Packers head coach with a decade of leadership experience in Green Bay.

• Anthony Campanile, Packers linebackers coach in 2024 and former Dolphins linebackers coach (2020-23), also has a connection with Sullivan.

In a statement, Sullivan emphasized his philosophy for the rebuild:

“Now, as we forge ahead, we will build a football team that is resilient, physical and tough. We will compete no matter the circumstances, with the ultimate goal of competing for division championships and Super Bowls.”

Quarterback Situation: The Tua Tagovailoa Dilemma

Sullivan inherits a challenging quarterback scenario in Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched for the final three games of the season due to performance struggles.

Tagovailoa’s 2025 stats included 2,660 passing yards with 20 touchdowns, but he also threw 15 interceptions, a career high. His accuracy and mobility declined noticeably following a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension signed in July 2024.

Financially, the Dolphins face a difficult decision:

• Tua’s 2026 salary is guaranteed at $54 million.

• Releasing him would trigger a $99 million dead cap hit.

• A post-June 1 release could split the cap charge over 2026 and 2027, reducing the immediate burden but not eliminating the financial risk.

Navigating this situation will be one of Sullivan’s first tests as GM, balancing cap constraints with team performance goals.

Rebuilding the Dolphins: Drafts, Trades, and Free Agency

Miami enters this new era with limited cap space, an incoming new head coach, and a roster that requires significant restructuring. Since the 2019 offseason, the Dolphins have repeatedly stockpiled draft picks and made major roster changes, indicating a willingness to rebuild around core talent.

Sullivan’s track record in Green Bay suggests he is well-equipped to handle such a rebuild. His experience with college and pro scouting, as well as roster construction through trades and free agency, provides a blueprint for turning the Dolphins into perennial contenders.

Lessons From Green Bay

Sullivan’s work in Green Bay highlights his ability to:

1. Identify undervalued talent in the draft and develop players over time.

2. Capitalize on free agency to acquire key contributors without overspending.

3. Execute strategic trades to address immediate team needs while protecting future assets.

These skills will be instrumental in rebuilding Miami, especially given the team’s current financial and roster constraints.

A Long-Term Vision for Miami

Sullivan’s stated goal is to build a resilient, competitive team capable of winning division titles and Super Bowls. His vision emphasizes not just talent acquisition but also organizational culture and accountability.

With his combined experience as a player, executive, and son of a coach, Sullivan is uniquely positioned to lead Miami through a complex transition. His familiarity with successful team-building strategies, particularly from his tenure in Green Bay, will inform decisions ranging from draft strategy to coaching hires.

Conclusion: The Start of a New Era

The hiring of Jon-Eric Sullivan as Dolphins GM marks the beginning of a new era in Miami. With a clear vision, deep NFL experience, and strong connections across the league, Sullivan is expected to be the driving force behind the team’s rebuild.

Key priorities for his tenure will include:

• Hiring a new head coach.

• Evaluating Tua Tagovailoa’s future as the team’s quarterback.

• Managing cap space and draft assets strategically.

• Constructing a roster capable of competing in the AFC East and making a playoff push.

If past trends are any indication, Sullivan’s experience in Green Bay—drafting, developing, and acquiring key contributors—should enable him to turn the Dolphins into a legitimate contender once again.

As Miami embarks on this ambitious journey, fans can look forward to a front office guided by vision, integrity, and proven NFL expertise. The next chapter of Dolphins football is officially underway.