The Miami Dolphins on Tuesday shook up the top levels of the franchise in a move that probably should not have come as a surprise. After 13 years as the Dolphins’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Garfinkel stepped down, paving the way for owner Stephen Ross to name Daniel Sillman to the top spot of football operations. Sillman, who led the team’s search for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley this offseason, has been named in the succession plan for the Dolphins should anything
happen to Ross.
Sillman was named the CEO of Ross Sports & Entertainment, a newly formed entity that brings the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open tennis tournament and the Precision Drive Club under one umbrella for Ross. Several members of Ross’s leadership team will now report to Sillman, which for the Dolphins including Sullivan, Hafley, and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Brandon Shore.
While Garfinkel is stepping away from his day-to-day role with the Dolphins, he will remain as Vice Chairman for the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. He will also remain as the managing partner for the Miami Grand Prix.
Garfinkel’s work since becoming the President and CEO of the Dolphins was highlighted in the press release from the team. It read, “Since joining the Dolphins in 2013, Garfinkel spearheaded the business turnaround of the organization, including increasing annual revenues by more than 400 percent and securing more than $3 billion in future contractually obligated sponsorship income. Garfinkel led the vision and execution of the privately funded $550 million transformation of Hard Rock Stadium, oversaw the development of the $135 million Baptist Health Training Complex, and helped grow the Dolphins Cancer Challenge into the NFL’s largest charitable fundraiser, generating more than $100 million for cancer research. ”
Garfinkel was also responsible for creation of the Miami Grand Prix for Formula 1 racing around Hard Rock Stadium and for bringing the Miami Open tennis tournament to Hard Rock Stadium. His efforts also resulted in the Dolphins’ home stadium hosting a Super Bowl, two College Football National Championship games, and seven matches during the 2026 World Cup including the third place game.
“I love the Dolphins and the people here, but after 13 years it was just the right time for me to make this decision,” said Garfinkel via the press release. “The business has never been in a better place and the team of people we have here is second to none in sports. I want to thank the South Florida community and Dolphins fans for all of their support over the years and especially Steve Ross for the opportunity to be a part of this great organization. He is a visionary leader and a team owner who always strives to be best-in-class, and he provides his people all the trust and resources needed to be successful. I have every confidence in where this organization is headed on and off the field under Danny’s leadership, and I’m excited about the new challenges that will come moving forward.”
