Dolphins GM Chris Grier not worried about fans who want him fired ahead of NFL Draft

Miami Herald

15-04-2025

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has heard the noise.
He knows fans are upset. He knows fans want changes. And, even more accurate, he knows that fans want him fired.
'We see how many people are calling for me to get fired after a season like that,' Grier said Monday. 'It's just the nature of the beast. The NFL is one of the most popular leagues in the world.'
The 2025 season will be critical for the future of the franchise's current regime. After back-to-back playoff appearances, the Dolphins finished the 2024 season 8-9 without a trip to the postseason. The significance of 2025 was likely further ingrained into his psyche after he received a gift from a loyal fan.
'I get this package that comes so open it,' Grier said. 'It's like the nicest letter that's like 'Chris, hey keep doing what you're doing. Blah, blah, blah. Wishing you guys all the best, you and Mike, from a longtime fan.' And then I pull out the shirt in it, open it up and it says, 'Don't f this up.''
Added Grier: 'I appreciate the fans. I love the passion of Dolphins fans. We want to win as much as they do and we understand it.'
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Dolphins' laundry list full of needs just got a bit longer now that the franchise and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey agreed to seek a trade. The Dolphins could potentially enter the draft in need of several starters including two corners, a defensive tackle and a guard. Throw in the loss of leaders such as defensive tackle Calais Campbell to the Arizona Cardinals and tackle Terron Armstead to retirement and it's worth wondering whether or not the Dolphins are in rebuild mode.
Grier, however, refused to use the 'r' word. And despite owner Stephen Ross' refusal to accept the status quo, Grier ha not been given an ultimatum when it comes to wins.
'No,' Grier said of a potential rebuild. 'That has not been brought up at all. We have a lot of really good players on this roster, at places that impact games. Our goal is to win this year and have sustained success in the future.'
Grier's response echoed that of coach Mike McDaniel, who faced a similar question during the 2025 NFL Annual Meeting.
'Every year to me, if you're not feeling heat on the seat, you have the wrong urgency,' McDaniel said March 31, adding that he and Ross haven't discussed anything of the sort. 'It should be that way every year, because this is not my gift. This is an incredible responsibility that I only sign up for because I think I'm the best person suited for it.'
McDaniel later quipped that he wants 'to be on that hot seat' that Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was on prior to winning Super Bowl 59.
'This is the fastest-changing world in sports,' McDaniel added. 'Again, Nick Sirianni was on the hottest seat.'
With all of the holes, however, the Dolphins will need to rely heavily on the draft, something that Grier expected to do. The franchise does have 10 picks in the upcoming draft, five which are in the first four rounds.
'The strength of the draft aligns with where people would say our need are,' Grier said, later adding that 'if we chose to stay at [13], we'll have options.'
Grier also praised what's left of the free agent class.
'There are more good street free agents on the streets than a long time,' Grier said. 'A lot of veterans are waiting to see where they're going to sign.'
With the draft less than two weeks away, the picture of the 2025 Dolphins will become a bit clearer. That day, however, can't come soon enough as the holes just seem to grow.