Troy Aikman to Continue Working with Miami Dolphins

ESPN commentator to maintain role in Dolphins' GM and coaching searches

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:13am

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Troy Aikman, the ESPN color commentator, plans to continue working with the Miami Dolphins in some capacity after helping the team with their general manager and head coaching searches this offseason. Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback, has long been interested in front office work but prioritized his family in the past. Now that his youngest daughter has graduated high school, he feels positioned to take on a more active role with the Dolphins, though the specifics of his continued involvement remain unclear.

Why it matters

Aikman's continued work with the Dolphins raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as he will need to navigate the same rules that apply to Tom Brady's involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders as a broadcaster and part-owner. Aikman's move also highlights the growing trend of former players taking on advisory or front office roles with NFL teams, blurring the lines between broadcasting and team management.

The details

Aikman, who has served as a broadcaster for FOX and ESPN since 2001, says he was caught off guard when the Dolphins reached out to him to assist with their GM and head coaching searches this offseason. After feeling that he was able to provide valuable input, Aikman now plans to continue working with the team in some capacity, though he did not disclose the specifics of his ongoing role.

  • Aikman has been a broadcaster since the 2001 season.
  • Aikman's youngest daughter graduated high school in 2021.
  • The Dolphins approached Aikman about helping with their searches this offseason.

The players

Troy Aikman

A Hall of Fame quarterback who has worked as a color commentator for FOX and ESPN since retiring from the NFL.

Miami Dolphins

An NFL team based in Miami, Florida that reached out to Aikman to assist with their general manager and head coaching searches this offseason.

Tom Brady

The part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders who faces strict rules about his involvement with the team due to his broadcasting duties.

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What they’re saying

“Kinda caught me out of left field, I wasn't expecting that. But I dove into it, decided I would do it and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

— Troy Aikman (Rodeo Time podcast)

“Felt like I was of some help and where that might go I'm not sure. I'm gonna continue to work with them in some capacity and that's kind of scratched whatever itch I had when it came to being in the front office.”

— Troy Aikman (Rodeo Time podcast)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Aikman's continued involvement with the Dolphins will be structured and what rules or restrictions he may face, similar to those applied to Tom Brady's role with the Raiders.

The takeaway

Aikman's decision to maintain a role with the Dolphins highlights the growing trend of former players transitioning into front office and advisory positions with NFL teams, blurring the lines between broadcasting and team management. This move raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for clear guidelines to govern these types of arrangements.