Dolphins hire former Jets GM Tannenbaum

Davie, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Miami Dolphins have hired former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum to a position in the front office.

The Dolphins said Tuesday that Tannenbaum will be the executive vice president of football operations beginning Feb. 1.

"It was a hard decision from a standpoint that my business is going really well," Tannenbaum said in a conference call with South Florida media Tuesday. "I built it with some really great people, but football is in my blood. I spent two years away from it and I missed it dearly. I missed the competition, I missed getting in the foxhole with a bunch of people that are committed to a cause."

Tannenbaum joined the Dolphins as a consultant in August and has been working as an agent. He and coach Joe Philbin will both report to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, the team said.

General manager Dennis Hickey, who was hired last January, will report to Tannenbaum and will continue to lead the personnel and scouting departments and have control of the 53-man roster.

The Jets fired Tannenbaum in December 2012 after the team went 57-55 in his seven seasons on the job, which included back-to-back trips to the AFC title game. He had worked for the Jets since 1997.

"I am excited that Mike Tannenbaum has joined the organization full time," Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. "He is an experienced executive and leader who understands all facets of the sports landscape. During his time as a consultant this past season, I was able to see his impact first-hand through his commitment and passion for innovation and using every possible avenue to find competitive edges."

The Dolphins were 8-8 for the second season in a row and haven't made the playoffs since 2008, the last time they had a winning record.