Is Troy Aikman done with the Miami Dolphins? His uncertain ESPN future could bring him closer to a Dallas Cowboys return

Troy Aikman’s time advising the Miami Dolphins may already be over. The Pro Football Hall of Famer helped the franchise find its new general manager and head coach during the 2026 offseason. However, a report now suggests his consulting role came with a clear limit. With his future at ESPN also uncertain, could Aikman eventually find another way into an NFL front office?Currently, a return to the Dallas Cowboys remains a possibility. Still, the former Cowboys quarterback has previously expressed interest in working with an NFL team beyond his broadcasting career. His next move could depend on what happens after the 2026 season.Why Troy Aikman’s Miami Dolphins consulting role has endedAs per the Front Office Sports reporter Mark Maske, Troy Aikman’s official consulting arrangement with the Miami Dolphins covered the searches that led to the hiring of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley during the 2026 offseason.Maske reported that it remains unclear whether Aikman continues to advise Dolphins owner Stephen Ross through his relationships with Ross, Hafley and Sullivan. Any continued involvement, however, would not fall under a formal consulting agreement, according to a source cited by Front Office Sports.Ross brought Aikman in to help with the team’s search. Aikman explained that Ross’ brother-in-law, Sillman, contacted several people to ask who could help the Dolphins. His name kept coming up, and he agreed to assist.The assignment also gave Troy Aikman a taste of NFL front-office work, something he had considered over the years. But he never announced plans to leave broadcasting for a full-time position in Miami.Could the Dallas Cowboys give Troy Aikman another chance?Aikman has made it clear that a full-time NFL role could interest him after broadcasting. However, the financial side could complicate that move.Front Office Sports reported that sources from multiple NFL teams consider it highly unlikely that a franchise would match the salary Troy Aikman earns in broadcasting. Reports put his ESPN salary at around $18 million annually, making a comparable front-office deal a difficult proposition.Meanwhile, Troy Aikman’s future in the broadcast booth remains uncertain. On October 17, 2026, he was still expected to work through the season before becoming a free agent at the end of the year. He previously said he would see what opportunities emerged after the season.That uncertainty has revived speculation about a possible Dallas Cowboys connection. Former Cowboys teammate Michael Irvin previously said Aikman wanted a John Elway-style role with Dallas. However, neither the Cowboys nor Aikman has confirmed any plan for a reunion.As of now, Troy Aikman’s consulting work in Miami appears to have reached its official end. Whether his next chapter involves ESPN, Dallas or another NFL opportunity remains an open question.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.