Dolphins GM search: Miami targeting executives with Cardinals, Steelers and Browns

The most recent slew of names being connected with the Dolphins’ general manager search indicates that the previous GM experience is not a requirement for the organization.

by Louis Bien

Jan 10, 2014, 12:20 AM UTC

Al Messerschmidt

The Miami Dolphins' search for a new general manager is underway after Jeff Ireland and the organization "mutually agreed to part ways" on Tuesday. Several names have already been connected with the Dolphins. On Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team has already requested interviews with four: Jason Licht of the Arizona Cardinals, Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ray Farmer of the Cleveland Browns and the Dolphins' own Brian Gaine.

All four already hold front office positions, though none has ever been a general manager. Licht appears to have the most experience. He began his career as a scouting assistant with the Dolphins in 1995, and has worked his way up the career ladder accordingly. He was named the Cardinals’ director of player personnel in 2012 before being promoted to vice president of player personnel in 2013.

Khan has spent more than a dozen years in the Steelers' organization. He is currently the team's director of football administration. Farmer was assistant general manager for the Browns this past year after spending seven years as the director of pro personnel with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gaine has been with the Dolphins for six years, joining the organization in 2008 as assistant director of player personnel. He was promoted to assistant general manager in 2012 under Ireland. He spent nearly a decade in the scouting departments of the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Dolphins.

Despite the parting with Ireland, who was promoted to general manager with no prior experience in the role, the Dolphins have said that previous experience as a GM is not a required for candidates. Given the names released in connection with the search, it appears the Dolphins are staying true to their word.

Marc Ross, who is currently serving as the vice president of player evaluation for the New York Giants has already been granted permission to speak with the Dolphins. He, too, has not yet been a general manager in the NFL.