Breaking: The Miami Dolphins are moving to hire longtime Green Bay executive Jon-Eric Sullivan as their next general manager. I can confirm Miami is finalizing details and preparing for a swift transition in football operations. Sullivan will take the reins of the roster, the draft, and the head coach search as the team moves on from Mike McDaniel. This is a major pivot for a franchise that wants staying power, not just a splash. 🏈
Why Sullivan, why now
Sullivan comes from the Packers’ school of team building. That means a scouting-first mindset. That means a belief in player development. And that means a clean, disciplined cap. He rose in Green Bay by stacking draft boards, finding value, and trusting coaches to grow young talent.
That approach fits Miami’s moment. The Dolphins have stars. They also have big contracts and tough choices. A steady personnel chief with a plan is exactly what this job needs. Sullivan is known as a builder, not a quick fixer. His focus is long term health, with a clear eye on the next three drafts.
Expect a draft and develop blueprint to define Miami’s next era.
What his Packers pedigree means for Miami
Green Bay built winners by drafting well, retaining its core, and leaning on depth. Miami has leaned on speed, trades, and bold bets. Sullivan signals a shift. Think more picks, more competition in camp, and fewer high-cost flyers.
He values traits, toughness, and coachable minds. He targets players who fit a system, then stay on the field. That could mean a deeper offensive line pipeline and more homegrown defensive backs. It also means Miami will protect future picks. Compensatory picks matter in this model. So do mid round hits.
This philosophy does not rule out aggression. It just demands value. If a trade appears, it has to fit the roster plan and the cap map. That is how you stay in the hunt every year, not just once.
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Day one priorities
Sullivan’s first moves will set the tone. Here is what I expect on his desk when he walks in:
- A full cap audit, with clear keep or move decisions
- The head coach profile, aligned with his roster plan
- A quarterback and offensive identity plan
- Rebuilding the scouting staff and analytics link
Cap and core
Miami has premium money tied to premium spots. There will be hard calls on veterans, restructures, and extensions. Sullivan’s history says he will pay core, move on from redundant pieces, and hunt for value role players. He will chase roster balance, not headlines.
The draft
The board will drive free agency, not the other way around. Expect disciplined shopping in March. Then a plan to stack day two and day three picks in April. That is where Sullivan has made a living, finding starters who cost less and play more.
Watch how Miami handles depth pieces in the spring. It will reveal what the draft is targeting.
The head coach search
The search starts now, and Sullivan will lead it. His target is clear. He wants a teacher, a builder, and a staff CEO. Scheme matters, but staff development matters more. The next coach must coach the coaches. He must be aligned with the front office and the training room.
Expect a process built on fit and clarity. Candidates will need a plan for the quarterback, a plan for the trenches, and a plan for player growth. The standard is consistency. The Dolphins want a program, not a fad.
What this means for South Florida
This is a cultural pivot. Miami wants speed with substance. The locker room will feel more competition and more accountability. Young players will have a runway to grow. Veterans will know exactly where they stand. That clarity travels well in December.
Fans should expect fewer splash moves and more steady progress. That can feel different at first. It also wins over time. The goal is a roster that can absorb injuries, win one score games, and play its best football in January.
This hire is about stacking seasons, not just one offseason.
The bottom line
Jon-Eric Sullivan is Miami’s move for staying power. He brings a clear plan and a steady hand. He will reshape the cap, the draft, and the coaching staff. The Dolphins are choosing patience with purpose. That choice can be boring some days. It is also how you build a team that lasts. The next era starts now.
