NOTEBOOK:
Dolphins working to finalize deal with Chris Grier as new general manager takes note of changes coming to the Dolphins.
MIAMI GARDENS — Chris Grier, the Dolphins’ former director of college scouting, will take over as the team’s new general manager as soon as contract terms are finalized.
The Dolphins and Dennis Hickey, who held the GM job the previous two seasons, agreed to part ways Saturday.
“We are finalizing something,” Dolphins owner Steve Ross said, “and I think very highly of Chris Grier, but we haven’t finalized anything at this point.”
Grier has been with the Dolphins for the past 16 years, nine as director of college scouting, after spending his first five NFL seasons in New England’s personnel department.
Grier interviewed for the New York Jets GM job a year ago.
Grier’s father, Bobby, was vice president/ player personnel with New England, and is currently associate director of pro scouting with Houston.
The Dolphins are expected to start their head coaching search soon. Executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum will oversee that task.
As for the current coaching staff, those decisions will likely be made by the new coach.
“When you have a new head coach they pick who their coaches and who their assistants are, and that’s the way it will be,” Ross said. “It’s not like we need to talk to the coaching staff. I think they are all aware of what happens when there is a change in head coach.”
Parker strikes again
Rookie wide receiver DeVante Parker, who had five receptions for a career-best 106 yards, had a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter. For the season, Parker has 26 receptions for 494 yards and three touchdowns.
“He’s got a really bright future,” Tannehill said. “I’m super excited about the future he’s going to, going to have. He’s going to be one of the best players in the league, and I believe that wholeheartedly.”
Parker, who already had touchdown receptions of 33 and 38 yards, excited the crowd late with a 46-yard reception from Tannehill. Parker went up high to haul in the pass, which was underthrown a bit as Tannehill faced pressure.
Two plays later, Tannehill hit tight end Jordan Cameron for a 2-yard touchdown and a 17-10 Dolphins lead.
Inactives
Center Mike Pouncey (foot/ankle), right tackle Ja’Wuan James (toe), linebacker Jelani Jenkins (ankle), defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (calf ), cornerback Jamar Taylor, guard Shelley Smith, and quarterback Logan Thomas were inactive Sunday. ... Cornerback Bobby McCain, the rookie fifth-round pick who drew praise weeks ago, didn’t play from scrimmage for the second consecutive game. Cornerback Tyler Patmon, promoted from the practice squad last week, also didn’t play from scrimmage.
Miller, Vernon, Wake, Grimes could all depart
Running back Lamar Miller and defensive end Olivier Vernon could become free agents in the offseason, and Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake (owed $8.4 million in 2016) and Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes (owed $8 million in 2016) could become salary casualties.
Miller said he’s undecided whether he’ll test the free agent market.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to talk to my agent once I get outside, or tomorrow,” said in the postgame locker room.
Wake, who sustained a season-ending Achilles injury midway through the year, said he’s “100 percent” he’ll be the same next year as he was before his injury.
Vernon, who ended the season with seven sacks, and Grimes, who was decent, but not as good as the previous two season, both declined to elaborate on next season.