Dolphins hire Dennis Hickey as new General Manager

The Miami Dolphins have landed their new General Manager.  After a long, methodical search, which included several potential candidates turning down interviews, or even the job, the team has hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Director of Player Personnel Dennis Hickey as their new GM.

Breaking: The Dolphins have hired Dennis Hickey as their new GM

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) January 26, 2014

Hickey, 43, has spent 18 years with the Buccaneers, working up from scout to his current position, which he assumed in 2011. Tampa Bay credits Hickey with playing a major role in the acquisition of players like safety Dashon Goldson, cornerback Darrelle Revis, as well as developing the draft plan for the team leading to players like cornerback Johnthan Banks, running back Doug Martin, and defensive end Adrian Clayborn.

Reports last night indicated the Dolphins had offered the position to the New England Patriots' Nick Caserio.  However, those reports were quickly followed by reports that Caserio had turned down the position, instead choosing to remain with the Patriots.  Now, it appears the Dolphins were set with a follow up candidate.

The hiring of Hickey is a surprise, as he was seen as a dark horse candidate, with Caserio, Dolphins assistant GM Brian Gaine, and Tennessee Titans Director of Player Personnel Lake Dawson all potentially ahead of him on the finalists list.  However, he now appears to be the Dolphins' GM, taking a place within the team's front office and working with Head Coach Joe Philbin and Executive Vice President of Football Administration Dawn Aponte.