Details on the change in Dolphins hierarchy with the new regime. And quick hits
A quick six-pack of Dolphins notes on a Wednesday:
▪ The identity of new Dolphins employees — including the head coach, general manager, more than a dozen coaches and seven personnel executives — has been known for a long time.
But what was learned in recent days was the team’s power structure under this new regime, and how it has changed from past years.
The Dolphins decided, awhile ago, to have three key football voices report directly to ownership — general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, coach Jeff Hafley and Brandon Shore, who recently was promoted to executive vice president/football operations.
Previously, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel reported to former general manager Chris Grier. But owner Stephen Ross always had relationships and interaction with his coaches (including McDaniel), as any owner would.
There’s mutual respect and a similarity in thinking among Sullivan, Hafley and Shore. Having them all report to ownership makes sense and streamlines the process.
Even though it required tough decisions and a massive dead money cap hit this season, Shore was believed to be in favor of the Dolphins getting their salary cap in order, a philosophy that Sullivan shared. Sullivan has praised Shore’s ability to navigate complex contract negotiations and cap management.
Shore’s promotion came after he helped structure Malik Willis’ contract — and De’Von Achane’s extension — in a way that left Miami with $12 million in space even after signing 13 draft picks and more than 20 free agents and taking on a record $179 million in dead money this season.
▪ Sullivan ended up hiring six new people in personnel, opting for significant change instead of a complete overhaul. That group included new assistant GM Kyle Smith; senior personnel executives Shaun Herock and Jon Robinson; director of pro scouting Venzell Boulware; scout Jack Schneider and assistant director of player personnel Josh Scobey.
Sullivan promoted four personnel men who were already here, including new director of scouting Matt Winston.
The Dolphins ultimately parted with four executives and at least two scouts. Two of those executives (Anthony Hunt, Adam Engroff) were dismissed in November, long before Sullivan’s arrival. Two others (Champ Kelly, Marvin Allen) left after Sullivan’s hiring.
▪ Defensive lineman Kenneth Grant told The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad that he and defensive line coach Austin Clark looked at his college tape and college highlights in recent weeks, and that gave him a boost in confidence.
The goal was “to get me back to who I am,” he said. “And build that confidence in me. It really helped... I’m playing more freely.”
▪ On the day he signed, we mentioned on X that Ronnie Harrison Jr. — who began his career as a safety — would play linebacker for the Dolphins. And that has not changed.
He remains at linebacker, even though the Dolphins have enviable depth at inside linebacker but not much at safety. Harrison, who came into the league at safety with Jacksonville in 2018, moved to linebacker with the Colts in 2023 and has been there since.
“I like it,” he said of linebacker. “I can be real versatile in that position.”
To balance the roster, it would be ideal if Kyle Louis or Harrison played safety because that’s where Miami has a need. But the Dolphins are going to put players where they believe they have the best chance of thriving.
▪ Edge player Josh Uche, who played for Bill Belichick in New England, said this week that Hafley reminds him of Belichick in one regard: “He brings the same type of energy, the same type of [attention to] detail. Every little detail matters. That’s how you win games.”
▪ None of new Dolphins receiver Jalen Reagor’s $1.25 million minimum salary is guaranteed. He could ultimately be competing with Theo Wease Jr., among others, for the sixth receiver job if Chris Bell begins the regular season on the physically unable to perform list.
Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert are obviously very likely to stick, and Tutu Atwell will enter camp as a front-runner to make the team.
Rookie draft picks Caleb Douglas, who was sidelined this week, and Kevin Coleman Jr. are essentially assured roster spots, health permitting.
Though Bell ultimately could turn into a No. 2 receiver — or perhaps a No. 1 — Miami enters the summer break without a certifiable, healthy No. 1 or No. 2 on the roster. That could make it more difficult to evaluate Malik Willis this season.
This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 1:08 PM.
