When the Miami Dolphins brought in Troy Aikman to assist with their front office search this past January, it raised a few eyebrows. After all, Aikman is best known for his Hall of Fame playing career and two-plus decades in the broadcast booth-not front office consulting.
But it quickly became clear: Aikman wasn’t just a figurehead. His insight helped shape one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent Dolphins history.
Aikman, who joined the Dolphins’ general manager search at the request of team owner Stephen Ross, described the experience as “so much fun” that when Ross asked him to stay on and help with the head coaching search, he didn’t hesitate. Now, with both hires in place, Aikman’s fingerprints are all over the Dolphins’ leadership structure-and he’s confident Miami got it right.
Speaking with Rich Eisen during Super Bowl media week, Aikman opened up about the process and the two key figures now tasked with reshaping the franchise: new GM Dennis Hickey and head coach Jeff Hafley.
Aikman has long had an eye for leadership talent, and Hafley had already caught his attention back in 2024. During an ESPN production meeting ahead of a Packers game, Aikman recalled telling his crew, *“This guy’s going to be a head coach real soon.”
- That wasn’t just a throwaway line. Hafley, who had already proven himself at the college level, left a strong impression on Aikman as someone who “checks all the boxes” for what a modern NFL head coach should be.
What makes Aikman's involvement even more interesting is how it came to be. According to him, it was former Dolphins coach and longtime friend Jimmy Johnson who recommended him to Ross. That connection opened the door, but it was Aikman’s deep knowledge of the league-gained from years of sitting in on team meetings, talking to coaches, and analyzing rosters every Monday night-that made his input valuable.
And he had a front-row seat to Miami’s struggles. During the Dolphins’ Monday Night Football loss to the Steelers-a game that officially knocked them out of playoff contention-Aikman saw firsthand how disjointed the team looked.
The coaching, he said, was clearly lacking. At the time, he had no idea he’d soon be part of the effort to help fix it.
That loss may have been the final straw. For just the second time in his tenure as owner, Ross went outside the organization for a general manager, bringing in Dennis Hickey from Tampa Bay. Hickey, who previously reported to Mike Tannenbaum, brings a fresh perspective and a strong front office pedigree.
Aikman’s belief in the new leadership duo is rooted in more than just gut feeling. Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was also considered during the GM search, comes from a Packers organization known for grooming top-tier executives. Aikman recognized that lineage-and saw similar traits in Hickey and Hafley.
The Dolphins cast a wide net during their search, interviewing numerous candidates for both roles. In the end, they landed on two leaders with experience, vision, and, most importantly, a shared sense of purpose.
Now, it’s a waiting game. If Aikman’s instincts are right-and history suggests he knows what he’s talking about-Miami may have finally found the leadership combo capable of turning the tide.