As the 2025 NFL regular season barrels toward its dramatic conclusion, the league’s coaching carousel and front office intrigue are spinning at full tilt. Few stories have captured the imagination of fans quite like Troy Aikman’s surprise move to the Miami Dolphins’ executive search team—a decision that’s reverberating from South Florida to the heart of Texas. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are set for a high-stakes showdown in a winner-take-all finale at Acrisure Stadium, with both teams riding the momentum of hard-fought seasons and individual standouts making headlines.
Let’s start in Miami, where Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has made a bold, headline-grabbing decision. As confirmed by multiple sources, including Roundtable Sports' Mike Fisher and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hall of Fame quarterback and longtime ESPN analyst Troy Aikman has been hired as a consultant to assist in the franchise’s search for a new general manager—and potentially a new head coach. This comes on the heels of the Dolphins firing Chris Grier, their former GM, as the organization looks to reset after another year falling short of postseason glory. Miami, which has not celebrated a playoff win since 2000, is hoping that Aikman’s eye for talent and deep football connections can help steer the ship in a new direction.
According to Pelissero, "Aikman is expected to sit in on interviews as part of his role. The philosophy is similar to how the Commanders utilized former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers in their coaching and GM searches two years ago. Unlike Myers, Aikman is not expected to stay with the organization beyond the search." In essence, Aikman’s role is temporary—he’ll lend his expertise, participate in candidate interviews, and help owner Stephen Ross weigh critical decisions, but he isn’t signing on for a long-term position with the team.
For Dallas Cowboys fans, this news stings. Aikman, one of the franchise’s most iconic figures and a three-time Super Bowl champion, has long expressed interest in transitioning from the broadcast booth to an NFL front office. Yet, despite his pedigree and his years of networking and learning the modern game, he was never given that opportunity in Dallas. The reason? Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has steadfastly maintained control over all front office decisions, often promoting and consulting his own family rather than bringing in outside voices—even ones as respected as Aikman’s. As Mike Fisher wryly noted, "One man has prevented that from happening in Dallas, and it’s the same man who has prevented many good ideas from coming to fruition. Jerry Jones insists upon his own front office maneuvering, but numbers don’t lie, and his work has produced a 16-15 playoff record during his time running the team."
That playoff record, coupled with another disappointing 2025 campaign for the Cowboys, has only fueled frustration among the fanbase. While Aikman’s consulting gig in Miami is not a permanent move, it’s more than what he’s been able to contribute to the franchise that made him a legend. As Fisher put it, "At a minimum, fans hope not to have to watch one of their all-time greats take a job with another NFL franchise than the one they suited up for. Tough luck. Maybe next year."
It’s not just Aikman’s move that has the NFL world buzzing. Back in Pittsburgh, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch ahead of the Steelers’ Sunday night showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. Acrisure Stadium is set to be packed to the rafters, with parking lots opening at 3:20 PM EST and gates at 6:20 PM to accommodate what’s expected to be a capacity crowd. The stakes couldn’t be higher: it’s a winner-take-all clash with playoff implications on the line.
The Steelers have enjoyed a solid season at home, posting a 4-3 record at Acrisure Stadium, plus a memorable “home” win in Dublin, Ireland during Week 4. The Ravens, on the other hand, have been formidable on the road, boasting a 5-2 away record and riding a five-game winning streak. With both teams hungry for postseason action, fans can expect a physical, emotional battle under the primetime lights.
Individual accolades have also come into focus for the Steelers. Running back Kenneth Gainwell has been named the team’s 2025 MVP, an honor voted on by his teammates. Gainwell has put together a career year, nearly amassing 1,000 yards from scrimmage and proving invaluable both as a runner and a receiver. Defensive star T.J. Watt, when asked about Gainwell’s recognition, said, "A lot goes into that vote. It’s not a vote that we take lightly. It’s a huge honor. Kenny G, man, he’s made so many plays in the run and the pass. Great teammate as well. He works hard. Can’t say enough good things about him as a player and a teammate." Gainwell’s breakout campaign sets him up for what could be a lucrative offseason contract, and he’s made clear his desire to stay in Pittsburgh.
The coaching ranks have seen their own changes, too. Former Steelers wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard has landed a new position as the receivers coach for the Cal Golden Bears, joining Tosh Lupoi’s staff. Hilliard, who coached in Pittsburgh during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before stints at Auburn and with the Atlanta Falcons, brings a wealth of experience to the college game. His move is just one example of the constant churn and opportunity that defines the football coaching landscape.
Returning to Miami, the Dolphins’ front office search is emblematic of the broader trend of NFL teams seeking outside expertise to guide critical leadership decisions. While search firms have become increasingly popular, the Dolphins have opted to lean on Aikman’s football acumen and connections. It’s a move that mirrors how other organizations have brought in respected figures from outside their immediate orbit—sometimes with great success, sometimes not. Miami already employs Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino as a full-time consultant, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to drawing on championship-caliber experience as they seek to end a quarter-century playoff drought.
For now, Aikman’s role is clear: help Stephen Ross identify the right candidate to lead the Dolphins into a new era. Whether his input will prove transformative remains to be seen, but his presence alone has injected fresh optimism and intrigue into the Miami front office. Meanwhile, in Dallas, the debate over Jerry Jones’s iron grip on football operations will no doubt continue, especially as fans watch one of their legends help another franchise rebuild from afar.
As the NFL’s regular season winds down and the postseason looms, all eyes will be on Miami’s executive search, the Steelers-Ravens showdown, and the ongoing drama in Dallas. The only certainty? In a league built on change and opportunity, the next headline is always just a play—or a hiring decision—away.