In an intriguing twist for the Miami Dolphins, the team has enlisted the expertise of a Pro Football Hall of Famer to aid in their quest for a new general manager. It’s none other than Troy Aikman, the former Dallas Cowboys star and current ESPN analyst, who has stepped into the consulting role, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Thursday.

Aikman’s involvement comes after the Dolphins parted ways with their previous GM, Chris Grier, who had been at the helm for over nine seasons. Despite his significant presence, Aikman himself is not in the running for the position. Instead, his role is to provide seasoned insights during the interview process, mirroring a similar strategy employed by the Washington Commanders when they brought in Bob Myers, the former Golden State Warriors executive, during their own leadership searches two years prior.

Pelissero highlighted that Aikman will actively participate in interviews, but unlike Myers, his engagement with the Dolphins is expected to conclude once the new general manager is appointed. With Aikman’s storied career and analytical prowess, the Dolphins are hoping his input will be invaluable in making a pivotal decision for their franchise’s future.

“Aikman is expected to sit in on interviews as part of his role,” Pelissero reported. “The philosophy is similar to how the Commanders utilized former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers in their coaching and GM searches two years ago.

“Unlike Myers, Aikman is not expected to stay with the organization beyond the search.”

Miami appears to be honing in on a general manager with a scouting background, according to the report, which also stated that interviews are expected to begin next week. 

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross asked Aikman to be involved due to his widespread contacts throughout the league, as well as Ross wanting to have an outside perspective, The Palm Beach Post reported. 

ESPN reported that Aikman’s involvement with the Dolphins’ general manager search will not have any impact on his role as an analyst on “Monday Night Football,” and he is slated to be on the broadcast for Saturday’s game between the 49ers and Seahawks. 

Champ Kelly has been the Dolphins’ interim general manager since Grier was let go and the search to find Grier’s replacement is the organization’s first since 2014, when Miami hired Dennis Hickey. 

The Dolphins got out to a 2-7 start this season before Greier was fired and have since put together a 7-9 record. 

The struggles, which have included injuries to key players like Tyreek Hill, have led to questions about the job security of coach Mike McDaniel.