The Miami Dolphins are no strangers to drama, but this offseason, the franchise has turned up the heat with a headline-grabbing move: bringing in Hall of Fame quarterback and renowned ESPN analyst Troy Aikman as a consultant. With the search for a new general manager underway following the departure of Chris Grier, owner Stephen Ross has made it clear he wants fresh perspectives from outside the Dolphins’ usual inner circle. And who better to provide that than a three-time Super Bowl champion?
The timing of Aikman’s appointment is particularly intriguing given his recent on-air criticism of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. During a Week 15 Monday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aikman didn’t hold back. As Miami trailed 28-3 in the fourth quarter, eventually losing 28-15, Aikman repeatedly called out the Dolphins’ offense for their lack of urgency, noting, “They’re taking nearly the full play clock between snaps on every play.” The critique was widely discussed in sports media, and some wondered if it might spark tension within the organization.
Yet, when McDaniel faced the media on January 3, 2026, he was the picture of composure. Asked directly about Aikman’s pointed remarks, McDaniel replied, “No, that stuff doesn’t hit me – when I signed up for this job, this just in and when things work, people will applaud; when they don’t work, they’ll have critiques. And if I expect anything else, that’s a level of entitlement that doesn’t really hit me correctly. It’s kind of the nature of the biz. So you’re telling me he didn’t like us not scoring points and taking up too much time? Neither did I, that was not the intent. He’s doing his job, and when I signed up for this job it was inherent that results will dictate all narratives regardless of if things were good, bad or whatever. It doesn’t bother me in the least. As a matter of fact, I think it would be funny if it did.”
McDaniel went on to address Aikman’s new role, revealing that he was aware of the decision and had been involved in conversations with ownership. “I was aware and I’m not opposed to more information ever. I think prioritizing the importance of a decision, you educate yourself and I think Troy Aikman speaks for himself in terms of his relationships that he’s had within the National Football League and knows a lot of things. Information is a positive to me and being able to resource that, I think we’re fortunate. I’m excited for that.”
Despite McDaniel’s steady demeanor, the Dolphins’ head coaching situation remains a hot topic. No official decision has been made regarding McDaniel’s future, and conflicting reports continue to swirl. Some insiders suggest he’ll return in 2026 to work alongside the new general manager, while others anticipate a coaching change as the franchise considers a full-scale rebuild. The uncertainty has fueled speculation that McDaniel could become a sought-after candidate for other NFL teams, including the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns. In particular, if Kevin Stefanski were to part ways with Cleveland, McDaniel’s offensive acumen reportedly appeals to the Browns’ front office.
The intrigue doesn’t stop there. Aikman’s consulting assignment with the Dolphins has had ripple effects far beyond South Florida. Given his high-profile role as ESPN’s lead color commentator on Monday Night Football, many fans and media members wondered if his new NFL responsibilities might signal a shift away from broadcasting. ESPN, however, acted swiftly to quash any rumors. A network spokesperson confirmed on January 3, 2026, that Aikman’s consulting role is strictly temporary, limited to the Dolphins’ general manager search, and will not affect his on-air duties. “His weekly schedule remains the same, and he will continue calling games alongside play-by-play partner Joe Buck,” the spokesperson stated. For viewers, that means business as usual when the next NFL season kicks off.
So, what exactly is Aikman doing in Miami? According to reports, his role is purely advisory—he’s not expected to join the Dolphins’ front office in any permanent capacity. The team hopes to leverage his extensive football knowledge and league relationships as they chart a new course in the wake of Grier’s exit. For Aikman, the assignment is another fascinating chapter in a post-playing career that’s already spanned broadcasting, podcasting, and now, NFL consulting. In a recent interview, he candidly discussed his openness to executive roles, saying the biggest challenge would be “adapting to a new learning curve at this stage of my career.” He also wondered aloud whether teams would be patient enough to allow for that transition, but he expressed confidence that his years of evaluating the league could make him a valuable front office asset.
For Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, bringing in Aikman is about more than just star power—it’s a strategic move designed to inject new ideas into a franchise that’s struggled to find consistent success. Ross has made no secret of his desire to tap into external expertise as the Dolphins seek a long-term vision. Whether Aikman’s input will tip the scales in favor of a particular GM candidate remains to be seen, but his presence certainly signals that Miami is open to change and innovation.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league is watching closely. The Dolphins’ willingness to enlist a high-profile outsider in their front office search could set a precedent for other franchises seeking a competitive edge. And as for McDaniel, his calm responses and focus on the job at hand have won him respect, even as his future remains uncertain. “My priority is I’m the head coach and I’m going to take those responsibilities as they relate to everybody involved in the organization. I’m going take to those serious and focus on that. I’m not joking, lying, misleading. I don’t think about all those questions ever. It’s a waste of my time and I don’t try to waste my time or other people’s.”
As the Dolphins move forward with their general manager search, all eyes are on Miami to see whether this bold approach pays off. Will Aikman’s insight help the franchise finally turn the corner? Or will the ongoing uncertainty at the top lead to even more upheaval? For now, the only certainty is that the Dolphins are embracing change—and the rest of the NFL is taking notice.
With Troy Aikman lending his expertise and Mike McDaniel keeping his focus, the Dolphins’ offseason is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stories in football. The outcome of the general manager search—and the fate of the head coach—remain unresolved, but one thing’s clear: Miami isn’t content to stand still. Stay tuned, because the next move could be a game-changer.