DETROIT — The Detroit Lions have hired former Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier as a personnel executive, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Grier was dismissed as Miami’s general manager last October; the Dolphins announced the departure was a mutual decision between Grier and the organization, according to ESPN. He had been with the Dolphins organization since 2000 and served as the team’s general manager beginning in 2016.
Under Grier’s leadership, the Dolphins ended a seven-season playoff drought by reaching the wild-card round in his first season as GM. During his tenure, Miami posted five winning seasons and made three playoff appearances, though the team did not win a postseason game, ESPN reported.
Throughout his career, Grier has expressed respect for Lions general manager Brad Holmes and for Holmes’ role in turning around Detroit’s franchise, according to ESPN. Grier also commended Holmes’ efforts to improve front-office diversity and to build a stronger pipeline for future Black general managers by creating opportunities.
Grier told ESPN last year that Holmes has been a standout presence since their first meetings when Holmes was an area scout. Grier praised Holmes’ work ethic, his ability to form relationships and the way he treats people as if he has known them for years — traits Grier said help in gathering information and evaluating personnel, according to ESPN.
