According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions have hired Chris Grier to an unspecified “personnel executive” position. Grier, who mutually parted ways with the Dolphins in the middle of the 2025 season, had previously served as Miami’s general manager for a full decade (2016-25). During that tenure, the Dolphins posted five winning seasons—including four in a row from 2020-23—and three playoff appearances. But Miami went 0-3 in playoff games.
Grier’s time with the Dolphins will likely be defined by some big hits and big misses. Early in his career he got some big hits with Laremy Tunsil, Xavien Howard, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Andrew Van Ginkel. But the miss on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looms large, as did the pricey trade for Tyreek Hill that never got Miami over the top. In his final year, the Dolphins roster was in serious need for talent, resulting in a disappointing 7-10 overall record. Under Grier, the Dolphins went 77-80 over 10 seasons.
Prior to his time as general manager, Grier was the director of college scouting for the Dolphins from 2007-15, serving under three different general managers: Randy Mueller, Jeff Ireland, and Dennis Hickey. Before that, the was a scout with the Dolphins (2000-02) and Patriots (1995-99).
The Lions’ personnel department current features the following executives:
- Assistant GM: Ray Agnew
- Director of scouting operations: Don Corzine
- Senior personnel executive: John Dorsey
- Director of college scouting: Brian Hudspeth
- Director of scouting: Dwayne Joseph
- Director of pro scouting: Rob Lohman
- Assistant director of pro scouting: Joe Kelleher
- Manager of football executive operations: Elizabeth Laux
- Manager of scouting advancement: MIchael Pelfrey
At this point, it’s unclear if Grier will be joining this department or replacing one of these people.
Possibly related, Detroit is in the midst of a search for a new team president, as Rod Wood announced earlier this offseason that he will be retiring by the start of the 2026 regular season.