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24m ago

Bobby Grier, Longtime NFL Coach and Personnel Executive, Dies at 82

Team tributes emphasized his seven-decade influence on scouting, mentorship and franchise-building.

Bobby Grier, Associate Dir. of Pro Scouting studying tape at the offices for Houston's new NFL expansion franchise, Wednesday afternoon, July 12, 2000. For an upcoming Sports 2 on 'How to Build an NFL Team from the ground up'. (Smiley N. Pool/Chronicle) 07/12/00
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: A detail view of a New England Patriots helmet during the third quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Overview

  • The death was confirmed by his family as organizations including the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots issued statements of condolence.
  • Grier consulted for the Dolphins from 2017 to 2025 after a 16-year personnel run with the Houston Texans and nearly two decades with the Patriots.
  • As New England’s vice president of player personnel in 2000, he played a key role in scouting Tom Brady before departing after that draft.
  • Texans figures credited Grier’s evaluations in the 2011 selection of J. J. Watt, with former defensive coordinator Wade Phillips noting his influence.
  • He was Boston College’s first full-time Black assistant coach and a mentor to many, with his legacy carried on by sons Chris (Dolphins GM) and Mike (Sharks GM).