After losing Senior Personnel Executive Reggie McKenzie to the Tennessee Titans earlier this offseason, the Miami Dolphins have reportedly found his replacement. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, former Las Vegas Raiders assistant GM Champ Kelly has agreed to join the Dolphins as a senior personnel executive. In his new role, Kelly will be involved in both pro and college scouting.
Kelly spent three seasons in the Raiders’ front office and served as their interim general manager after the team dismissed Dave Ziegler in October 2023. Over the past few years, he’s been a candidate for several general manager positions, including interviewing for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ GM job this year—ultimately filled by James Gladstone.
Before his time in Las Vegas, Kelly worked for the Chicago Bears as director of pro scouting and later as their assistant director of player personnel. He got his NFL start with the Denver Broncos, holding various positions such as college scout, assistant coordinator of pro and college scouting, and assistant director of pro personnel.
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Despite his solid track record, Kelly and the Raiders mutually agreed to part ways earlier this offseason. New Raiders GM John Spytek is in the process of overhauling the front office, moving away from the previous leadership structure.
Now in Miami, Kelly faces significant challenges. The Dolphins are still searching for starters at several positions, have limited salary cap flexibility, and both general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel could be coaching for their jobs. Other than that, life in Miami remains sunny.
