Dolphins president Tom Garfinkel steps away after 13 years in massive franchise change
The Dolphins are changing things up massively in the front office for 2026.
Miami vice chairman, president and CEO Tom Garfinkel has announced that he is stepping down from his role after 13 years, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.
Yet, he is keeping some responsibilities.
Hewill remain as vice chairman of the franchise and Hard Rock Stadium, while also serving as managing parnter of the Miami Grand Prix.
“I love the Dolphins and the people here, but after 13 years it was just the right time for me to make this decision,” Garfinkel said in a statement to the Dolphins. “The business has never been in a better place and the team of people we have here is second to none in sports. I want to thank the South Florida community and Dolphins fans for all of their support over the years and especially Steve Ross for the opportunity to be a part of this great organization. He is a visionary leader and a team owner who always strives to be best-in-class, and he provides his people all the trust and resources needed to be successful.
“I have every confidence in where this organization is headed on and off the field under Danny’s leadership, and I’m excited about the new challenges that will come moving forward.”
Garfinkel joined the Dolphins in 2013 and helped pushed the organization to new limits.
He increased annual revenues by more than 400 percent and secured more than $3 billion in future contractually obligated sponsorship income.
Garfinkel also privately funded the transformation of Hard Rock Stadium that valued at $550 million, as well as oversaw the development of the team’s training complex and grew the Dolphins Cancer Challenge into the NFL’s largest charitable fundraiser.
“Tom has had one of the most impactful executive tenures in professional sports history,” said Dolphins Chairman and Owner Stephen M. Ross. “When he joined our organization, we envisioned creating a world-class sports and entertainment company that would redefine what was possible for a franchise, a stadium and a community. Together we turned that vision into reality. The greatest leaders don’t just build successful organizations; they build organizations positioned to thrive long after they move on.
“Tom assembled an extraordinary leadership team and created an incredible foundation for continued growth. While he is stepping away from the day-to-day responsibilities of CEO, I am grateful that he will continue to play an important role as Vice Chairman and a trusted advisor to Danny [Sillman, CEO of Ross Sports & Entertainment] and me.”
Ross also announced Tuesday the birth of Ross Sports & Entertainment (RSE), which brings together the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open tennis and the Precision Drive Club into one entity.
He named his son-in-law Daniel Sillman CEO of RSE.
