DOLPHINS ON THE RADAR: Dolphins’ Senior Executive Considered Top Contender for General Manager Position Opening…

On January 10, 2025, the Miami Dolphins announced two significant coaching staff changes, signaling potential shifts within the organization as the offseason unfolds. Alongside these changes, rumors have emerged about possible departures within the front office, with one key figure being Reggie McKenzie, the Dolphins’ senior personnel executive. McKenzie has been identified as a leading candidate for the Tennessee Titans’ general manager (GM) position, a potential move that could shape both teams’ futures.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, McKenzie is seen as the top contender for the Titans’ GM role. Russini shared her thoughts on social media, writing that while Tennessee would undergo a thorough interview process, McKenzie was expected to receive considerable backing, ultimately making him the favorite for the position. This development is particularly noteworthy, as McKenzie’s potential move to Tennessee represents more than just a career shift—it would also be a return to his roots. McKenzie was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and played college football at the University of Tennessee. His deep ties to the state and the Titans organization add another layer of intrigue to the situation.

McKenzie’s career spans decades, with a long and varied history in both playing and managing football teams. After being drafted by the Raiders as a 10th-round pick in 1985, McKenzie played for eight seasons in the NFL. Following his playing career, he transitioned into a front-office role with the Green Bay Packers, where he started as a pro personnel assistant in 1994. Over his 18 years with the Packers, McKenzie rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as the director of football operations. During his tenure, the Packers won two Super Bowls, solidifying McKenzie’s reputation as a skilled personnel evaluator and manager.

In 2012, McKenzie became the general manager of the Oakland Raiders. Under his leadership, the Raiders had a mixed performance, with only one winning season during his tenure. However, his departure in 2018 marked a period of continued struggles for the team, which had failed to achieve consistent success even before his arrival. Since McKenzie’s departure, Oakland, which later became the Las Vegas Raiders, has had just one winning season. Despite the challenges McKenzie faced in Oakland, his time with the Packers and his role in helping to rebuild the Raiders have earned him significant respect in the NFL world. His move to Tennessee would likely be seen as a homecoming, as he is closely associated with the region and has the experience to take on the challenges of rebuilding a franchise.

On the same day McKenzie’s potential interview with the Titans was confirmed, the Miami Dolphins also made announcements about their coaching staff. Miami decided to part ways with two key assistant coaches: special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach Wes Welker. These moves highlight the ongoing evaluation of the team’s performance and the desire for change as the Dolphins look to improve in the upcoming seasons.

Crossman had been with the Dolphins since 2019, joining the team when Brian Flores took over as head coach. During his time with Miami, Crossman served as the special teams coordinator and also took on the role of assistant head coach in 2021. When Mike McDaniel replaced Flores in 2022, Crossman retained his position as special teams coordinator. Despite his contributions over the years, McDaniel expressed in a statement that the decision to part ways with Crossman was made after evaluating the team’s performance and identifying areas that needed improvement. McDaniel acknowledged Crossman’s dedication to the team and his contributions, emphasizing that the decision was made with the long-term success of the Dolphins in mind.

Similarly, Welker’s departure marked the end of his tenure with the Dolphins. A well-known former player, particularly for the New England Patriots, Welker had a brief stint with the Dolphins from 2004 to 2006 before finding fame in New England. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and joined the 49ers staff in 2019, where he worked as the wide receivers coach while McDaniel was the run game coordinator. When McDaniel became the head coach of the Dolphins in 2022, Welker followed him to Miami, taking on the role of wide receivers coach. McDaniel, who had worked closely with Welker in San Francisco, expressed gratitude for Welker’s contributions but noted that changes were necessary to help the team improve.

These coaching staff changes come as part of a broader effort by McDaniel and the Dolphins to strengthen their squad and ensure continued growth. The firing of Crossman and Welker may signal that McDaniel is looking to revamp specific areas of the coaching staff to better align with his vision for the team moving forward. With these decisions, Miami’s front office is clearly focused on maintaining a competitive edge and optimizing the performance of their roster.

As for McKenzie, the potential move to the Titans could be a pivotal step in his career. His experience in both personnel management and team building, combined with his deep ties to the Tennessee area, makes him a strong candidate to lead the Titans through their own rebuilding process. While the interview process will likely include other candidates, McKenzie’s familiarity with NFL operations and his previous success in personnel decisions give him a clear advantage in the race for the GM position.

In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins are navigating a period of change both on the field and in their front office. The coaching staff reshuffling highlights McDaniel’s commitment to improving the team, while Reggie McKenzie’s potential departure for the Titans’ GM role underscores the ongoing dynamics within the Dolphins organization. Whether McKenzie moves to Tennessee or remains in Miami, his career trajectory will continue to be closely watched as both the Dolphins and Titans work to position themselves for future success.