Detroit Lions Add Former Dolphins GM Chris Grier as Personnel Executive

The Detroit Lions added former Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier as a personnel executive, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Grier will report to Lions GM Brad Holmes, now in his sixth season, to strengthen the organization.

NBC SportsHeavyThe Lions have hired former Dolphins GM to join their front office in a move that strengthens their biggest strengthHeavyDetroit NewsDetroit Lions hire former Dolphins GM Chris Grier to front officeABC Miami Local 10 WPLG

Grier served as Dolphins GM from 2016-2025 after 25 years in Miami’s scouting department. He was dismissed after a 2-7 start in 2025. The Lions’ front office includes senior staff such as John Dorsey, Ray Agnew and Don Corzine, and the franchise is searching for a new president.

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Chris Grier (former Dolphins GM), Brad Holmes (Lions GM), Dan Campbell (Lions head coach, former Dolphins interim coach), John Dorsey (senior personnel executive being succeeded), Adam Schefter (ESPN reporter), and Mike Grier (Chris’s brother, GM of the San Jose Sharks).

HeavyNBC SportsDetroit NewsThe Lions have hired former Dolphins GM to join their front office in a move that strengthens their biggest strengthHeavyDetroit Lions hire former Dolphins GM Chris Grier to front officeABC Miami Local 10 WPLG

Grier’s Dolphins record is reported as 77-80 (source 2) and 82-83 (source 3). The team went 0-3 in playoffs, posted five winning seasons—including four straight from 2020-23—and reached 11 wins in 2023. First-round picks under his tenure include Laremy Tunsil, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Xavien Howard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Chop Robinson and Kenneth Grant. Trades for Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb yielded only Robinson and Grant remaining on the roster.

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Grier’s scouting expertise matches Detroit’s draft-and-retain model and fills gaps left by recent departures of scouts Dave Sears and Mike Martin. His prior work with Coach Campbell in 2015 may ease player-evaluation coordination, to improve talent acquisition and retention.

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Adam Schefter reported the hiring, citing league sources. The league confirmed the appointment without additional comment.

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Analysts cite costly moves such as the Tyreek Hill trade and the $212 million Tua Tagovailoa contract, which ended after two seasons. One commentator warned, “But I would not hold your breath that those happen right away with all the extensions the Lions have to do right now.”

The Lions have hired former Dolphins GM to join their front office in a move that strengthens their biggest strength

Sources list Grier’s record as 77-80 and 82-83, and describe his exit as a mutual parting (source 2) versus a firing on Halloween after a 2-7 start (source 4). The precise timing remains unclear, and the exact date of the dismissal remains ambiguous.

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• “The Detroit Lions have hired former Dolphins GM Chris Grier as a personnel executive, per league sources.” — Adam Schefter, ESPN reporter

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• “But I would not hold your breath that those happen right away with all the extensions the Lions have to do right now.” — Analyst, AtoZ Sports

The Lions have hired former Dolphins GM to join their front office in a move that strengthens their biggest strength

The Lions will integrate Grier into player-evaluation work before the 2026 season while finalizing a new president. His presence is expected to deepen scouting and aid Brad Holmes in roster building as Detroit navigates upcoming contract extensions.

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