The makeover in Miami has started.
The Dolphins announced Saturday that they have parted ways with general manager Dennis Hickey.
"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," Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum said in a team statement. "I have a great deal of respect for what he accomplished here and wish Dennis and his family well."
Hickey was hired by owner Stephen Ross in 2014. However, the Dolphins hired Tannenbaum during the 2014 season as a consultant before promoting him to oversee operations above Hickey in 2015. Tannenbaum's role gradually increased over the tumultuous season which saw coach Joe Philbin and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor fired. Hickey's role, on the other hand, was reduced essentially to that of a scouting director. Darlington reports that Tannenbaum and Hickey weren't talking much and didn't even sit together during games.
Whoever the Dolphins hire, their first task will be to find a new coach. Interim head coach Dan Campbell is candidate and Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase is also on the Dolphins' radar, according to Rapoport. In addition, Miami is interested in UCLA coach Jim Mora, but they have not scheduled an interview with him, Rapoport said on NFL Network's GameDay First on Sunday.
This move, heading into the final weekend of the season, signifies a total sea change in the Dolphins organization from the top down. With Tannenbaum leading an extreme makeover, there's no doubt we'll see more moving and shaking in Miami in the coming days.