Some would say head coach Mike McDaniel is the Miami Dolphins' biggest problem. Some would say it's quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami's real problem is higher than that: it's the GM position. And after firing Chris Grier on Friday, the Dolphins should take a long look at the LA Chargers' front office.
Grier is out after nearly a decade running the show for the Dolphins. First hired in 2016, Grier was the architect of several iterations of the Dolphins, including this McDaniel-Tua partnership. Miami made the playoffs three times in Grier's tenure and did not win a playoff game.
The Dolphins are undoubtedly entering a new era and need to find the right GM to guide the ship. Unfortunately for the LA Chargers, one of the hottest names on the GM market currently plays an important role in the Bolts' front office.
Chargers' assistant GM Chad Alexander can solve the Dolphins' identity crisis
Alexander joined the Chargers front office alongside general manager Joe Hortiz after Jim Harbaugh was hired in 2024. After just one season with the Bolts, Alexander interviewed for GM vacancies but ultimately stayed with the Chargers.
Alexander has been in the league for over a quarter-century, holding various roles in several front offices. He spent two decades with the Baltimore Ravens and served as the New York Jets director of player personnel for five years before reuniting with Hortiz.
Culture-desperate teams like the Dolphins always seek out front office personnel who come from marquee organizations. The Ravens have been one of the best-run franchises in the league over the last 25 years, making Alexander's experience there a huge plus.
The Dolphins also can see firsthand what Alexander and Co. have done with the Chargers in just two years. While Alexander is not the biggest component of the shift, the Chargers' culture and identity has been completely rewritten since hiring Harbaugh, Hortiz, and Alexander.
The Dolphins need their version of that rebuild. Miami needs a GM who not only can find the next franchise quarterback but can make the appropriate hires to build a long-standing culture. With years of experience around both Harbaughs, Alexander knows what it takes to hire the right head coach.
Alexander certainly won't be alone as the Dolphins gave themselves ample time to vet the right candidates as the season continues. But don't be surprised when Alexander inevitably gets an interview with the Dolphins.