Daniel Sillman to Lead Dolphins Operations as Tom Garfinkel Steps Down

Daniel Sillman, 37, has been named CEO of Ross Sports & Entertainment to oversee Miami Dolphins football operations following Tom Garfinkel's 13-year tenure.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins announced on Tuesday that 37-year-old Daniel Sillman will oversee football operations as the new CEO of Ross Sports & Entertainment. Team owner Stephen Ross appointed Sillman, his son-in-law, to the position as Tom Garfinkel steps down from the president and CEO role he held for 13 years. Under this new leadership structure, head coach Jeff Hafley, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and vice president of football operations Brandon Shore will report directly to Sillman.

Sillman, who is married to Ross’ daughter Kimberly, previously led the organization's search for its current head coach and general manager. The executive is designated as one of Ross’ successors to run the franchise, alongside Kimberly and Ross' other daughter, Jennifer. As the co-founder and executive chairman of Relevant Sports, Sillman already manages a portfolio including Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open, and the Precision Drive Club.

Financial and Executive Background

Over the last decade, Daniel Sillman has negotiated multi-billion dollar media rights agreements through Relevant Sports. These include a $1.5 billion deal between UEFA and Paramount, as well as a $1.4 billion contract between LaLiga and ESPN. Ross stated that Sillman’s history of building global sports and media companies uniquely positions him to guide the organization into its next phase, citing his deep familiarity with the existing business culture and ambitions.

Sillman described the transition as an incredible honor, noting the foundation built by the outgoing leadership team. He emphasized a goal of pursuing championships on the field while expanding the global reach of the enterprise. The new CEO intends to focus on delivering fan experiences and innovation across the business, which includes the NFL franchise and its associated live entertainment properties.

Tom Garfinkel’s 13-Year Legacy

Tom Garfinkel joined the Dolphins in 2013 and oversaw significant infrastructure changes during his tenure. He managed the $550 million privately funded renovation of Hard Rock Stadium and was instrumental in designing a campus modeled after a world-renowned theme park. Garfinkel will remain with the organization as vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, while also serving as a managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix.

During Garfinkel's leadership, the stadium secured high-profile international events, including seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its bronze medal match. The venue also hosted the Super Bowl in 2020 and the College Football Playoff national championship games in 2021 and 2026. Garfinkel played a pivotal role in integrating the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis tournament into the Miami Gardens site.

Organizational Reporting Structure

The shift in command places Sillman at the top of the football operations hierarchy. The direct reporting lines for Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan ensure that the head coach and general manager are aligned with the new CEO's vision. Brandon Shore continues his role as vice president of football operations under Sillman’s supervision. This transition marks the conclusion of Garfinkel's 13-year run as the primary business leader for the Dolphins, moving him into a strategic advisory capacity as vice chairman.