Dolphins and Dennis Hickey part ways

The Miami Dolphins and general manager Dennis Hickey have mutually parted ways. The two sides reportedly decided that now was better than Monday.

The writing on this wall had been in place for a while dating back to the hiring of Mike Tannenbaum as the VP of football operations. While Hickey’s first draft was better than anything Miami had done previously, 2015 wasn’t as great as it looked on paper but to Hickey’s credit, he likely had little to do with the draft last April.

Hickey was hired two off-seasons ago when the Dolphins mutually parted ways with Jeff Ireland. While Ireland refused to give up control, Hickey never really had much control within the organization. More of a figurehead at the position.

"“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,” executive V.P. of football operations Mike Tannenbaum said in a release. “I have a great deal of respect for what he accomplished here and wish Dennis and his family well.”"

Hickey was present at the signing of Ndamukong Suh last March but he was not at the table when Dan Campbell was named the teams interim head coach leading to speculation that his duties within the organization wasn’t typical of a GM.

In a team released statement, Hickey had this to say about his two short seasons with the Dolphins.

"“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 in the same release. “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. Over the past week, I have had a number of conversations with the Dolphins organization about my role in the team. Ultimately the Dolphins and I agreed that it would be best if we parted ways. I will always be proud of our accomplishments in Miami including many key additions to the team through the draft and free agency. I am also thankful for all the relationships that were built here with scouting department, the staff, coaches, fans, alumni, and South Florida community. My family and I will always appreciate all of the support we have received over the past two seasons. We wish everyone the best going forward.” – VIA Profootballtalk.com."

When the dust on this off-season settles, it may very well be Hickey who comes out in a better situation. After 12 plus years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hickey got his shot at being a GM and it might not be his last.

There is speculation currently that the Dolphins will stay within the organization and hire Director of College Scouting Chris Grier. Grier has been with the team for 15 years.