How impactful was Troy Aikman in Dolphins' GM search? Insider reveals big role for Hall of Famer

Matt Sullivan

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How impactful was Troy Aikman in Dolphins' GM search? Insider reveals big role for Hall of Famer image

The Miami Dolphins made their first big addition of the offseason, hiring Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan to be the team's new general manager.

It's a significant update for Miami, as Sullivan will now lead the charge in the head coach search, one that might not feature John Harbaugh as the favorite. One of the storylines before this hire was about Dallas Cowboys legend and ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman.

He was brought in as a consultant for the GM spot, and now, with Sullivan in-house, how much of an impact he had is a worthwhile question. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Cowboys Hall of Famer played a big role in Sullivan coming to Miami.

Dolphins GM hire was helped by Troy Aikman

"I was told Troy Aikman was his (Jon-Eric Sullivan's) biggest supporter entering this process," Russini reported.

The Dolphins had a few possible candidates, and while Chad Alexander might've been one of the favorites, due to his ties to Harbaugh, the Dolphins went with the Packers executive instead.

There were two other candidates, San Francisco 49ers' Josh Williams and interim Dolphins general manager Champ Kelly.

Miami was more likely than not going to hire an outside voice, and it was looking like Alexander and Sullivan were the two favorites.

More: Dolphins bring in Cowboys Hall of Famer Troy Aikman as part of general manager search

But Thanks in part to the support from Aikman during the general manager interview process, the Dolphins decided to go with Sullivan.

Aikman was brought in as a consultant and will now take a step back as he's not going to be a core part of the Dolphins going forward. But his consultation helped the Dolphins land their new leader.

Sullivan's first task will be to orchestrate the head coaching search, but it doesn't get any easier after that. Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, among others, will have their roster status up in the air this offseason.

It's going to be a busy offseason for Sullivan in his first year with the Dolphins, and he's got Aikman to partially thank for his support as a consultant this GM search.

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Staff Writer