The Miami Dolphins are in dire straits, and recent developments have only underscored the urgent need for an organizational overhaul. With a playoff win drought stretching back to 2000, the Dolphins seem to lack the desperation required to change their fortunes. This season, they finished with an 8-9 record, marking their first losing season since 2019, and the outlook for 2025 appears grim.
Superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill is reportedly seeking an exit from the organization after experiencing his first playoff miss in his career. Adding to the turmoil, Super Bowl-winning cornerback Jalen Ramsey seems to be following suit. With multiple key players set to hit free agency, the Dolphins face a challenging offseason ahead.
Long-standing Issues in the Front Office
The Dolphins’ problems are not limited to the field; they extend deep into the front office. General manager Chris Grier has been a prominent figure in the organization since 2000 and took over as GM in 2016. Under his leadership, the team has made the playoffs three times but has failed to secure a single playoff victory. Grier’s track record raises serious questions about his ability to evaluate talent, particularly in the draft.
One glaring mistake was selecting Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft, allowing Justin Herbert to slip to the Los Angeles Chargers at sixth. The comparison is staggering: Herbert boasts over 5,000 more passing yards and 37 more touchdowns than Tagovailoa. This misstep is emblematic of a larger pattern of errors that have kept the Dolphins mired in mediocrity.
The Struggles of Recent Seasons
While the Dolphins made the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, they failed to capitalize on those opportunities. Both seasons ended in first-round exits, reinforcing a reputation for being soft and incapable of performing in colder weather. In contrast, teams like the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Chicago Bears have at least managed to make deeper playoff runs in recent years, highlighting the Dolphins’ struggles even more.
Miami’s recent performance has left fans frustrated and questioning the team’s direction. The Dolphins have become synonymous with disappointment, and the lack of urgency to rectify the situation is alarming.
Ownership’s Role in the Crisis
At the heart of the Dolphins’ turmoil is ownership. Stephen Ross, who invests heavily in the team, has made questionable decisions that have hindered the organization’s progress. His costly mistake of tampering with Tom Brady while he was under contract with another team resulted in the loss of a first-round draft pick.
Despite the mounting evidence of Grier’s incompetence, he remains in his position, which raises eyebrows. The Dolphins need a fresh start, and that begins with significant changes in the front office.
What Needs to Change?
So, what can be done to fix the Miami Dolphins? The answer is clear: a complete overhaul is necessary. The team should consider starting from scratch, particularly in the front office. Grier and his associates need to be shown the door, making way for a new, progressive leadership team.
The coaching staff also requires a shake-up. Head coach Mike McDaniel received a contract extension prematurely, and despite a promising start, his offense has regressed this season. It may be time to promote defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to head coach and bring in fresh ideas.
Additionally, the Dolphins should evaluate their roster critically. Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled with injuries, may need to be cut if no trade offers materialize. The team should look to trade any players of value to build for the future.
A Call for Action
The Dolphins’ history of mistakes has kept them in a state of purgatory for the last 25 years. The time for change is now. Miami failed to tank for Joe Burrow in 2019; perhaps they can redeem themselves by targeting a promising prospect like Arch Manning in 2025 or 2026.
In a league where success is often measured in championships, the Dolphins have become a cautionary tale of how poor decision-making can lead to years of disappointment. The fans deserve better, and it’s time for the organization to step up and make the necessary changes.
The Miami Dolphins need to embrace a new direction, one that prioritizes smart decision-making and a commitment to building a competitive team. The future of this storied franchise depends on it. Will they rise from the ashes, or will they continue to be a laughingstock in the NFL? The answer lies in the actions they take in the coming months.
