Miami Dolphins Name Daniel Sillman to Oversee Football Operations in Major Leadership Shakeup
The Miami Dolphins continue to reshape the organization’s leadership structure following a major announcement involving longtime team executive Tom Garfinkel. While Garfinkel steps away from his role as President and CEO, another significant move could have an even greater impact on the franchise’s future.
Dolphins Chairman and Owner Stephen M. Ross has officially named Daniel Sillman as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ross Sports & Entertainment, expanding his responsibilities to include oversight of the Miami Dolphins’ football operations.
It’s a move that places one of Ross’ most trusted executives in perhaps the most influential business position within the organization.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk said he had heard this was the case behind the scenes last month on an appearance on the DolphinsTalk Podcast.
Today on the DolphinsTalk Podcast, Mike Florio says he has heard that Stephen Ross has “tapped out” and that Daniel Sillman is now running the #Dolphins.
FULL SHOW: https://t.co/vHAwT1eEEH pic.twitter.com/PW3WCJnQhL
— DolphinsTalk.com (@DolphinsTalk) June 25, 2026
A Decade of Trust with Stephen Ross
Sillman is hardly a newcomer.
He has spent the past decade working closely alongside Stephen Ross, helping oversee various business ventures throughout Ross’ expansive sports and entertainment portfolio. That relationship has clearly earned Ross’ confidence, and now Sillman will play a direct role in the day-to-day oversight of the Dolphins organization.
As CEO of Ross Sports & Entertainment, Sillman will oversee Ross’ complete sports portfolio, but for Dolphins fans, the most important part of the announcement is his new responsibility with the football team.
Football Leadership Will Report Directly to Sillman
Under the new organizational structure, the Dolphins’ football leadership will now report directly to Sillman, including:
Head Coach Jeff Hafley
General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan
Executive Vice President of Football Operations Brandon Shore
That reporting structure makes Sillman one of the most powerful figures inside the franchise.
While he won’t be making personnel decisions or calling plays on Sundays, he will oversee the executives who build and run the football operation.
Stability During Organizational Change
Whenever a franchise experiences major executive changes, questions naturally follow about stability and continuity.
By elevating someone who has worked alongside Ross for more than 10 years, the Dolphins are signaling that they value continuity over sweeping organizational changes.
Sillman already understands Ross’ vision for the franchise, the business operations, and the expectations surrounding one of the NFL’s most valuable organizations.
That familiarity should help create a smooth transition as Garfinkel shifts into his new role as Vice Chairman of the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium while remaining Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix.
What It Means for Jeff Hafley and the Front Office
For first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the reporting relationship changes, but their mission remains the same: build a consistent winner.
Hafley was hired to establish a tougher, more disciplined culture following years of inconsistency, while Sullivan is tasked with constructing a roster capable of competing in the AFC.
Now they’ll answer directly to Sillman, who becomes the executive responsible for ensuring the football operation stays aligned with Stephen Ross’ long-term vision.
The expectation is that Sillman will provide oversight rather than interfere in football decisions, allowing the coaching staff and front office to operate while maintaining accountability at the highest level.
A New Chapter for the Dolphins
The Dolphins have undergone significant changes over the past year, from a new head coach to changes in the front office and now a restructured executive leadership team.
With Tom Garfinkel stepping back from his day-to-day responsibilities and Daniel Sillman assuming oversight of football operations, Stephen Ross is positioning trusted leadership at every level of the organization.
Whether this new structure ultimately translates into sustained success on the field remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ross believes Daniel Sillman is the right person to help guide the next chapter of Miami Dolphins football.
As the franchise enters the 2026 season with renewed expectations, Sillman’s expanded role will be one worth watching behind the scenes just as closely as what unfolds on the field every Sunday.
