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The Miami Dolphins have announced that the team and general manager Dennis Hickey have mutually agreed to part ways:
The team and Dennis Hickey have agreed to part ways.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 3, 2016
Hickey joined the Dolphins after the 2013 season, replacing the fired Jeff Ireland. Hickey had served with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization since 1996, working his way from a pro personnel assistant to the team's Director of Player Personnel, a position he held from 2011 to 2013.
The Dolphins hired Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum last year, essentially jumping over Hickey's position as General Manager with the hire. Tannenbaum reportedly informed personnel within the organization earlier today of the move.
"I want to thank Dennis for his work over the last two years. We talked about a number of different possibilities, but at the end we reached this agreement," Tannenbaum said after the announcement of the move. "I have a great deal of respect for what he accomplished here and wish Dennis and his family well."
"I have been blessed to be the General Manager of the Miami Dolphins for the last two seasons and I want to thank Stephen Ross for giving me this opportunity," Hickey said. "During my time here with the Dolphins, I approached each day with passion, drive and integrity in trying to bring a championship to this proud franchise. Over the past week, I have had a number of conversations with the Dolphins organization about my role in the team. Ultimately the Dolphins and I agreed that it would be best if we parted ways. I will always be proud of our accomplishments in Miami including many key additions to the team through the draft and free agency. I am also thankful for all the relationships that were built here with scouting department, the staff, coaches, fans, alumni, and South Florida community. My family and I will always appreciate all of the support we have received over the past two seasons. We wish everyone the best going forward."
The early front runner to replace Hickey is Chris Grier, who currently serves as the team's Director of College Scouting. Grier was considered for the New York Jets' general manager position last year. Grier and Tannenbaum have a solid working relationship and could form the power structure Miami wants with Tannenbaum ultimately in charge, while Grier works the day-to-day general manager role.