Troy Aikman’s role with the Dolphins has apparently run its course.
After helping Miami dig into its search for a new general manager and head coach this offseason, Aikman is no longer tied to the team through a “formal and ongoing agreement,” according to Front Office Sports. That ends the quiet consulting arrangement that had followed his involvement in the Dolphins’ front-office hunt.
The partnership was unusual from the start. At the urging of Stephen Ross’ son-in-law, Danny Sillman, Miami brought in the Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl winner to assist in the search outside the organization for the first time since Ross leaned on Carl Peterson more than a decade ago. Aikman’s familiarity with the league’s executive circle helped bring fresh names into the process.
That path eventually led the Dolphins to Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan, who then turned to Jeff Hafley for the head coaching job. After those hires were made, reports indicated Aikman would remain around in some undefined advisory capacity. That arrangement is now over.
The end of the formal agreement does not close every door. Front Office Sports reported that nothing prevents Aikman from helping the Dolphins again if they call.
It also gives him freedom to look elsewhere. Aikman has recently been in the news because of a disagreement with Monday Night Football co-host Joe Buck, which sparked speculation about his broadcast future. That chatter has since been cleared up, with Buck set to stay on a new contract and Aikman still a candidate to land wherever the money and opportunity point.
Around the league, Aikman still carries real weight. It would not be a surprise if other teams come calling once the season ends.
For Miami, the larger question is whether the consulting help pays off in the long run. If Sullivan and Hafley work, Aikman’s fingerprint will be part of a turnaround for a franchise that has struggled for stability in the Ross era. There’s plenty to fix, and the timing is ugly: the Dolphins are on their bye week, own the third-hardest remaining schedule in the NFL beyond Week 6, and have yet to win a game or even lead at any point over the last five weeks.
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For UCLA, the matchup is less about the scoreboard than the sorting process that comes with a fresh team. The exhibition is the first of two before the regular season begins, a useful test for the staff as it evaluates players, builds chemistry and starts to answer the most basic questions about who fits where. Another exhibition is still on the calendar later in the month, leaving a little more time for the rotation picture to take shape. [Read more 🡒]