Steven Ross is finally tackling core issues that have plagued the Phins
With a 3-7 record, the Miami Dolphins are fighting to salvage what is left of the 2025 Season anyway they can. It would take a near miracle to make the postseason, but the odds are good to go 4-3 over the remaining 7 games. While 7-10 record is far from a ‘successful season’, the stunning Bills victory and going 5-3 after the Chris Grier firing would likely be enough in Ross’s mind to keep Mike McDaniel for another season.
I’m not saying this is my preferred outcome or that it would be the right move.
It’s well-known Ross wants McDaniel to stick, and he’ll only move off him as a last option. With the firing of Grier and now long-time heads of personnel in Adam Engroff and Anthony Hunt, Ross has made it clear the focus of his ire is on talent acquisition and not coaching.
Bottom line: You can bet with the best pay per head that no matter what else comes, the Dolphins have become a better organization… and that’s good news.
Long Standing Rot has been Gutted
The Miami Dolphins haven’t won a post season game in a quarter of a century and have the record for most seasons elapsed since a playoff win. There’s a lot that goes into that level of incompetence, but lack of talent is right up at the top of the list. Engroff (joined in 1999) and Hunt (joined 1994) are among the longest‐tenured front-office staffers. Hunt was co-director of pro personnel (2013 onward) and Engroff served as director of college scouting (from 2016) and co-director of pro personnel (2019 onward).
Engroff and Hunt along with Grier were major decision makers in the Dolphins talent acquisition and evaluation. This means they were also core reasons for the Phins failure in acquiring talent in the draft and Free Agency.
Miami clearly has had hits in the draft and Free Agency, but these successes are marred by too many failures.
The Phins Floor was Raised… No Matter What Comes Next!
Will Ross keep Champ Kelly and Mike McDaniel long term or not?
Are they the right guys for the job or not if he does?
No matter what, the Dolphins are better off with Engroff, Hunt, and Grier gone. Ross has removed some of the worst talent acquisition leadership in the league and that’s clear addition by subtraction. In a league where talent is king, this means Miami will improve their chances of finding good players for McDaniel or for the next coaching staff if he moves on. This creates better short and long term opportunities.
Now, this doesn’t mean the Phin are on their way to a Super Bowl. It will take plenty more excellent decisions for that to happen. But fans should be very happy to see Grier, Engroff, and Hunt get the axe because a massive weight has been lifted off this franchise’s shoulders!
Go Phins!!!