\n
![\"Profile](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_Jackson_Barry_mug.jp_2_1_GDETHNSG_L434902367.JPG\")
\n <\/a><\/p>\n
A quick six-pack of Dolphins notes on a Wednesday:<\/p>\n
\u25aa The identity of new Dolphins employees \u2014 including the head coach, general manager, more than a dozen coaches and seven personnel executives \u2014 has been known for a long time.<\/p>\n
But what was learned in recent days was the team\u2019s power structure under this new regime, and how it has changed from past years.<\/p>\n
The Dolphins decided, awhile ago, to have three key football voices report directly to ownership \u2014 general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, coach Jeff Hafley and Brandon Shore, who recently was promoted to executive vice president\/football operations.<\/p>\n
Previously, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel reported to former general manager Chris Grier. But owner Stephen Ross always had relationships and interaction with his coaches (including McDaniel), as any owner would.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s mutual respect and a similarity in thinking among Sullivan, Hafley and Shore. Having them all report to ownership makes sense and streamlines the process.<\/p>\n
Even though it required tough decisions and a massive dead money cap hit this season, Shore was believed to be in favor of the Dolphins getting their salary cap in order, a philosophy that Sullivan shared. Sullivan has praised Shore\u2019s ability to navigate complex contract negotiations and cap management.<\/p>\n
Shore\u2019s promotion came after he helped structure Malik Willis\u2019 contract \u2014 and De\u2019Von Achane\u2019s extension \u2014 in a way that left Miami with $12 million in space even after signing 13 draft picks and more than 20 free agents and taking on a record $179 million in dead money this season.<\/p>\n
\u25aa Sullivan ended up hiring six new people in personnel, opting for significant change instead of a complete overhaul. That group included new assistant GM Kyle Smith; senior personnel executives Shaun Herock and Jon Robinson; director of pro scouting Venzell Boulware; scout Jack Schneider and assistant director of player personnel Josh Scobey.<\/p>\n
Sullivan promoted four personnel men who were already here, including new director of scouting Matt Winston.<\/p>\n
The Dolphins ultimately parted with four executives and at least two scouts. Two of those executives (Anthony Hunt, Adam Engroff) were dismissed in November, long before Sullivan\u2019s arrival. Two others (Champ Kelly, Marvin Allen) left after Sullivan\u2019s hiring.<\/p>\n
\u25aa Defensive lineman Kenneth Grant told The Palm Beach Post\u2019s Joe Schad that he and defensive line coach Austin Clark looked at his college tape and college highlights in recent weeks, and that gave him a boost in confidence.<\/p>\n
The goal was \u201cto get me back to who I am,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd build that confidence in me. It really helped… I\u2019m playing more freely.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u25aa On the day he signed, we mentioned on X that Ronnie Harrison Jr. \u2014 who began his career as a safety \u2014 would play linebacker for the Dolphins. And that has not changed.<\/p>\n
He remains at linebacker, even though the Dolphins have enviable depth at inside linebacker but not much at safety. Harrison, who came into the league at safety with Jacksonville in 2018, moved to linebacker with the Colts in 2023 and has been there since.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like it,\u201d he said of linebacker. \u201cI can be real versatile in that position.\u201d<\/p>\n
To balance the roster, it would be ideal if Kyle Louis or Harrison played safety because that\u2019s where Miami has a need. But the Dolphins are going to put players where they believe they have the best chance of thriving.<\/p>\n
\u25aa Edge player Josh Uche, who played for Bill Belichick in New England, said this week that Hafley reminds him of Belichick in one regard: \u201cHe brings the same type of energy, the same type of [attention to] detail. Every little detail matters. That\u2019s how you win games.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u25aa None of new Dolphins receiver Jalen Reagor\u2019s $1.25 million minimum salary is guaranteed. He could ultimately be competing with Theo Wease Jr., among others, for the sixth receiver job if Chris Bell begins the regular season on the physically unable to perform list.<\/p>\n
Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert are obviously very likely to stick, and Tutu Atwell will enter camp as a front-runner to make the team.<\/p>\n
Rookie draft picks Caleb Douglas, who was sidelined this week, and Kevin Coleman Jr. are essentially assured roster spots, health permitting.<\/p>\n
Though Bell ultimately could turn into a No. 2 receiver \u2014 or perhaps a No. 1 \u2014 Miami enters the summer break without a certifiable, healthy No. 1 or No. 2 on the roster. That could make it more difficult to evaluate Malik Willis this season.<\/p>\n
This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 1:08 PM.<\/p>\n