Dolphins part ways with GM Dennis Hickey after two seasons

The Miami Dolphins have one fewer decision maker.

Dennis Hickey, the team’s general manager the past two seasons, has been let go by the Miami Dolphins, Naturally, the team deemed it a mutual agreement.

“I want to thank Dennis for his work over the last two years. We talked about a number of different possibilities, but at the end we reached this agreement,” Dolphins vice president Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. “I have a great deal of respect for what he accomplished here and wish Dennis and his family well.”

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Word has been brewing for a few weeks that Hickey would not make it past Monday, the day after the regular season wraps up, but clearly the team felt it had to get the jump on things. According to multiple reports, Dolphins college scouting director Chris Grier is one strong candidate to replace Hickey. The Dolphins wouldn’t have to even interview another candidate than Grier because, as a minority, he’d help the team comply with the Rooney Rule — if it would even apply to the position.

See, the Dolphins have Tannenbaum and they also have executive vice president of football administration Dawn Aponte, and it’s not exactly clear — now or after any potential move — who reports to who. Oh, and the Dolphins also must hire a head coach, which likely would come down largely to Tannenbaum and owner Stephen Ross, who has had a few big fish on his line over the years but have come up empty.

The team was 13-18 under Hickey and had a few hits in the draft, which he oversaw, such as Jarvis Landry. But the team also misfired, it appeared, on several draft picks. He came to the team from the front office of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I have been blessed to be the General Manager of the Miami Dolphins for the last two seasons and I want to thank Stephen Ross for giving me this opportunity,” Hickey said. “During my time here with the Dolphins, I approached each day with passion, drive and integrity in trying to bring a championship to this proud franchise.”

The 5-10 Dolphins will host the 12-3 New England Patriots in the season finale in what could be interim head coach Dan Campbell’s final game in that position.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm