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The Detroit Lions made an intriguing front-office addition Wednesday, hiring former Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier as a personnel executive, according to league sources.
While the exact details of Grier’s role have not been publicly disclosed, he is expected to assist Lions general manager Brad Holmes with a variety of administrative, logistical and personnel-related responsibilities. The move appears designed to provide Holmes with additional support as Detroit continues to build on its recent success.
Typical responsibilities for a personnel executive can include managing schedules and travel arrangements, coordinating meetings and events, handling communications, organizing media appearances and interviews, assisting with contracts and paperwork, and overseeing various business-related tasks.
For Lions fans wondering whether Grier played a role in the Dolphins’ decision to hire Adam Gase over Dan Campbell following the 2015 season, the answer is somewhat complicated. Former Dolphins executive Mike Tannenbaum led the coaching search, but Grier was part of the organization’s decision-making process and had input during the hiring process.
Grier, 56, is a native of Holliston, Massachusetts, and has spent more than three decades working in the NFL.
His career began in 1994 when he joined the New England Patriots as an intern. After one season, he was promoted to scout and remained with the organization through 1999. He then joined the Dolphins as a scout in 2000 before steadily climbing the front-office ladder.
Grier served as Miami’s assistant director of college scouting from 2003-07 and director of college scouting from 2007-15 before being promoted to general manager in 2016. During his tenure, the Dolphins experienced periods of success, including five winning seasons and three playoff appearances.
One notable moment during Grier’s rise in Miami came in 2015 when the Dolphins named Campbell interim head coach after firing Joe Philbin. Despite Campbell’s strong showing in the role, Miami ultimately hired Gase as its full-time head coach following the season.
Grier also comes from a family with deep roots in professional sports. His brother, Mike Grier, serves as general manager of the San Jose Sharks. His father, Bobby Grier, held several NFL front-office positions and helped open the door for Chris Grier’s entry into the league.
Throughout his career, Grier worked alongside several respected football minds, including Bill Parcells, Pete Carroll and Nick Saban.
As Dolphins general manager, Grier’s tenure featured both successes and setbacks. He helped build playoff-caliber rosters and was involved in acquiring high-profile talent, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Bradley Chubb. He also drafted key contributors such as Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips.
However, Miami’s inability to advance in the postseason ultimately defined much of Grier’s tenure. Despite reaching the playoffs three times under his leadership, the Dolphins failed to win a postseason game.
Frustration among fans reached a peak during the 2025 season. In September, a group of Dolphins supporters funded a banner that flew over Hard Rock Stadium calling for the dismissals of both Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Much of the criticism centered on the team’s inability to build sustained success and break through in the playoffs.
The Dolphins and Grier mutually agreed to part ways on Oct. 31, 2025, one day after Miami fell to 2-7 following a 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Among the notable transactions during Grier’s tenure were trades involving Jarvis Landry, Ryan Tannehill, Laremy Tunsil, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kenyan Drake, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey.
While Grier’s tenure in Miami fell short of championship expectations, spending a decade as an NFL general manager is a significant accomplishment. His experience in scouting, roster construction and organizational management should provide valuable support for Holmes and the Lions’ front office.
Detroit’s front office has become one of the NFL’s most respected under Holmes’ leadership. Adding a veteran executive such as Grier gives the organization another experienced voice.
Continue reading...
While the exact details of Grier’s role have not been publicly disclosed, he is expected to assist Lions general manager Brad Holmes with a variety of administrative, logistical and personnel-related responsibilities. The move appears designed to provide Holmes with additional support as Detroit continues to build on its recent success.
Typical responsibilities for a personnel executive can include managing schedules and travel arrangements, coordinating meetings and events, handling communications, organizing media appearances and interviews, assisting with contracts and paperwork, and overseeing various business-related tasks.
For Lions fans wondering whether Grier played a role in the Dolphins’ decision to hire Adam Gase over Dan Campbell following the 2015 season, the answer is somewhat complicated. Former Dolphins executive Mike Tannenbaum led the coaching search, but Grier was part of the organization’s decision-making process and had input during the hiring process.
Grier, 56, is a native of Holliston, Massachusetts, and has spent more than three decades working in the NFL.
His career began in 1994 when he joined the New England Patriots as an intern. After one season, he was promoted to scout and remained with the organization through 1999. He then joined the Dolphins as a scout in 2000 before steadily climbing the front-office ladder.
Grier served as Miami’s assistant director of college scouting from 2003-07 and director of college scouting from 2007-15 before being promoted to general manager in 2016. During his tenure, the Dolphins experienced periods of success, including five winning seasons and three playoff appearances.
One notable moment during Grier’s rise in Miami came in 2015 when the Dolphins named Campbell interim head coach after firing Joe Philbin. Despite Campbell’s strong showing in the role, Miami ultimately hired Gase as its full-time head coach following the season.
Grier also comes from a family with deep roots in professional sports. His brother, Mike Grier, serves as general manager of the San Jose Sharks. His father, Bobby Grier, held several NFL front-office positions and helped open the door for Chris Grier’s entry into the league.
Throughout his career, Grier worked alongside several respected football minds, including Bill Parcells, Pete Carroll and Nick Saban.
As Dolphins general manager, Grier’s tenure featured both successes and setbacks. He helped build playoff-caliber rosters and was involved in acquiring high-profile talent, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Bradley Chubb. He also drafted key contributors such as Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips.
However, Miami’s inability to advance in the postseason ultimately defined much of Grier’s tenure. Despite reaching the playoffs three times under his leadership, the Dolphins failed to win a postseason game.
Frustration among fans reached a peak during the 2025 season. In September, a group of Dolphins supporters funded a banner that flew over Hard Rock Stadium calling for the dismissals of both Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Much of the criticism centered on the team’s inability to build sustained success and break through in the playoffs.
The Dolphins and Grier mutually agreed to part ways on Oct. 31, 2025, one day after Miami fell to 2-7 following a 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Among the notable transactions during Grier’s tenure were trades involving Jarvis Landry, Ryan Tannehill, Laremy Tunsil, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kenyan Drake, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey.
While Grier’s tenure in Miami fell short of championship expectations, spending a decade as an NFL general manager is a significant accomplishment. His experience in scouting, roster construction and organizational management should provide valuable support for Holmes and the Lions’ front office.
Detroit’s front office has become one of the NFL’s most respected under Holmes’ leadership. Adding a veteran executive such as Grier gives the organization another experienced voice.
Continue reading...
