The Miami Dolphins have initiated a sweeping organisational transformation, appointing Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager. This decisive move comes directly from billionaire owner Stephen Ross, who declared the entire franchise 'in need of comprehensive change' following a disappointing 7-10 season in 2025.
A New Era Begins in Miami
According to a report from ESPN's senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are hiring Sullivan, the Green Bay Packers' Vice President of Player Personnel. The appointment follows the dismissal of head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday, ending his four-year tenure with the team. 2025 marked the second consecutive year Miami failed to reach the playoffs, a stark contrast to McDaniel's first two campaigns which both ended in postseason appearances.
The Sullivan Legacy Returns
Jon-Eric Sullivan, 50, brings a deep football pedigree and a unique family connection to the Dolphins. He is the son of Jerry Sullivan, a longtime NFL and college coach who served as the Dolphins' wide receivers coach back in 2004. Twenty-two years later, the younger Sullivan returns to lead the franchise's football operations.
Sullivan has spent his entire executive career with the Green Bay Packers, first joining as a Training Camp Intern in 2003. He worked his way up through the ranks as a regional scout, then co-director of player personnel, before reaching his most recent role as VP. He had previously interviewed for GM vacancies with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets.
Immediate Priorities and Coaching Search
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that Sullivan 'impressed Miami brass' in his interview and is widely viewed as a 'respected mind' within the league. His first and most critical task will be to hire a new head coach. Former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is already considered a top candidate for the role.
In a statement confirming McDaniel's firing, owner Stephen Ross expressed his gratitude but emphasised the need for change. "After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change," Ross said. He praised McDaniel as "an incredibly creative football mind" and wished him and his family well.
Before his front-office career, Sullivan was a player himself, having played wide receiver for the University of South Carolina before missing out on the NFL draft in 2000. His extensive scouting and personnel background in Green Bay's respected system will now be tasked with reviving the Dolphins' fortunes.
