The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a significant leadership transition. Daniel Sillman, son-in-law of owner Stephen Ross, has been appointed as the new CEO, while Tom Garfinkel, who has served as president and CEO for the past 13 years, will step down from his day-to-day responsibilities. This shift marks a new era for the franchise, with Sillman overseeing football operations and a newly formed entity, Ross Sports & Entertainment.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Dolphins are not only making headlines on the field but also in the boardroom. The organizational changes come at a crucial time, with the team aiming to build on recent successes and continue its growth both in sports and entertainment.
The Transition of Leadership
Tom Garfinkel’s tenure as president and CEO has been marked by substantial achievements. He played a pivotal role in the business turnaround of the Dolphins, securing major events such as the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix through 2041 and the 2026 World Cup matches. Garfinkel also established a 30-year agreement to host the Miami Open tennis tournament at Hard Rock Stadium and won bids for the 2026 Super Bowl and the 2026 and 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship games.
Despite stepping down from his CEO role, Garfinkel will remain involved with the organization as vice chairman of the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, as well as managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. His decision to step away from day-to-day responsibilities comes after a highly successful period, leaving the organization in a strong position for future growth.
Daniel Sillman’s New Role
Daniel Sillman, who co-founded the sports and media rights company Relevent, will now oversee football operations for the Dolphins. Head coach Jeff Hafley, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and executive vice president of football operations Brandon Shore will report directly to him. Sillman has been a key figure in Ross’ sports holdings and will now lead Ross Sports & Entertainment, a new company that merges the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open, and the Precision Drive Club into one entity.
Stephen Ross expressed confidence in Sillman’s abilities, stating, “Danny’s deep familiarity with the organization’s businesses, combined with his experience building globally recognized sports and media companies, uniquely positions him to lead Ross Sports & Entertainment into its next phase of operation.” Sillman’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure the continued success and expansion of the Dolphins’ business ventures.
The Future of the Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ organizational changes come at a time when the team is focused on both on-field performance and off-field growth. With Sillman at the helm, the franchise aims to leverage its strong foundation to achieve new heights in sports and entertainment. The integration of various sports and entertainment assets under Ross Sports & Entertainment is expected to create synergies and enhance the
As the 2026 season kicks off, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these leadership changes impact the team’s performance and strategic direction. With a solid leadership team in place and a clear vision for the future, the Miami Dolphins are poised to continue their trajectory of success.
