MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross made a rare public appearance Thursday, acknowledging frustration over the franchise’s lack of success and expressing hope that recent leadership changes will “start a new beginning.”

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That new beginning will start with Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who were officially introduced to the media.

Ross said the disappointment of the team is warranted after failing to deliver on his promise to establish a winning culture.

“I haven’t delivered on those promises,” Ross said. “The frustrations are justified.”

Ross said he began the search process early to ensure he found the right people to lead the organization. He thanked Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman for assisting with the search for a new general manager.

After interviewing multiple candidates, he said Sullivan “clearly stood out,” citing his knowledge and enthusiasm as surpassing the rest of the field.

Ross also said Hafley was the best fit because of his background and leadership qualities, adding the organization “got who we wanted” and will immediately focus on winning and being “very competitive.”

Sullivan said he is “forever grateful” for the opportunity with the Dolphins and thanked Aikman for recommending him as a candidate.

Fighting back tears, Sullivan expressed gratitude to the Green Bay Packers organization, former general manager Ted Thompson — whom he called “one of the best to ever do it” — and current Packers GM Brian Gutekunst for believing in him.

Sullivan said he would not make promises but vowed every decision under his responsibility would be made with the Dolphins’ best interests in mind.

“Player acquisition does not stop, and we will move with responsible aggression to bolster this roster,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is the son of longtime NFL assistant Jerry Sullivan, a 30-year league veteran who previously served as the Dolphins’ wide receivers coach.

He said he will do “everything possible” to bring a winner to Ross, his family and Dolphins fans while building a sustainable organization centered on a draft-and-develop philosophy.

On the hiring of Hafley, Sullivan said: “This was the right guy. I watched him work for two years. Jeff is a friend of mine, but understand this hire was based on professional respect.”

Hafley, introduced as the Dolphins’ new head coach, said his approach is rooted in honesty and authenticity.

“What you see with me is what you get,” Hafley said. “It’s going to come from the heart. It’s going to be honest.”

Hafley said the players, coaches and their families drew him to South Florida. He began his coaching career at the Division III level before rising through the ranks to become defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. The Dolphins job marks his first NFL head coaching opportunity.

Hafley said he learned toughness, accountability and how to coach even Hall of Fame players without fear, lessons that helped shape the core beliefs he plans to instill in the organization.

He became emotional while speaking about his family — his wife, daughters, mother and sister — who were all in attendance.

Sullivan said Ross assured him that resources would not be an obstacle.

“He told me if we don’t get this done, it won’t be because you didn’t have what you needed,” Sullivan said. “Not every place is like that.”

He also reiterated that he will selectively use free agency for “difference makers” but not until the team is in a better place from a cap perspective.

Hafley referenced his decision to leave Boston College to return to the NFL, quoting boxer Mike Tyson: “Everybody’s got a plan until you get punched in the face.”

Hafley also stated that he will call the plays on defense.

Sullivan said he has a lot of respect for Tua Tagovailoa but whether it’s Tua or somebody else, he said it’s unfair to talk about the player before he talks to the player himself. However, he did said that he “has a lot of respect” for what Tagovailoa has accomplished in the league.

He also stated that he will draft at least one quarterback “every year or every other year, and at worst, at least you have some trade value.”

Sullivan and Hafley face an immediate challenge: ending the NFL’s longest active playoff win drought. Miami has not won a postseason game since the 2000 season.

The Dolphins, who finished 7-10 in 2025, also face major roster decisions, including the potential release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

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