University of Massachusetts graduate Chris Grier, from the class of 1994, was named general manager of the Miami Dolphins Monday morning.

Grier takes over the position from Dennis Hickey, who was dismissed from the job Saturday.

In a press release by the Dolphins Monday afternoon, Grier expressed gratitude and excitement for the promotion.

“I want to thank (Miami owner) Stephen Ross and (executive vice president of football operations) Mike Tannenbaum for this tremendous opportunity,” Grier said in the statement. “I love this organization and feel I am the right man for this job. South Florida is very important to me and my family and I look forward to working with our personnel and coaching staff to add talent to the roster.”

The Holliston native has spent the previous 16 seasons in the Dolphins organization, originally serving as an area scout from 2000-02 and assistant director of college scouting from 2003-07. Most recently, he’s served as director of college scouting for the past nine seasons.

Before his tenure with the Dolphins, Grier spent the previous five seasons as a regional scout for the New England Patriots.

Grier becomes the second UMass graduate to secure a high-ranking position in the Dolphins organization, joining Tannenbaum, who graduated from the University in 1991.

Tannenbaum expressed similar excitement for Grier’s hire.

“Chris is a passionate personnel executive that is highly respected throughout the NFL,” Tannenbaum said in the press release. “His experience within the organization, background and approach to building a team made him the unquestioned choice to be our next general manager.”

During his time in Amherst, Grier majored in journalism. He was also a member of the UMass football team for his first two years before his collegiate career was cut short by injuries. In his final two years at the University, he served as an undergraduate assistant for the team.

Adam Aucoin can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @aaucoin34.