Overview
- The Dolphins announced Tuesday, Aug. 4 that Tom Garfinkel is relinquishing his roles as president and CEO after 13 years and will remain vice chairman of the team and Hard Rock Stadium and managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix.
- Owner Stephen M. Ross created a new holding company called Ross Sports & Entertainment and named Daniel Sillman its CEO with direct oversight of football operations.
- Head coach Jeff Hafley, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and executive vice president Brandon Shore will report to Sillman under the new structure.
- The team credited Garfinkel with a 13-year business turnaround that included a privately funded $550 million Hard Rock Stadium renovation, more than $3 billion in future sponsorship commitments and bringing major events like Formula 1 and the Miami Open to South Florida.
- Reaction was mixed, with praise for Garfinkel’s commercial record and immediate concerns about nepotism and governance as the change hands day-to-day control over football to Ross’s chosen heir, a shift that could affect personnel decisions and the club’s on-field direction.