January 26, 2014 - 9:09 AM
MIAMI - Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive Dennis Hickey has been hired as general manager of the Miami Dolphins, ending an arduous search that lasted nearly three weeks.
Hickey has been with the Buccaneers for 18 seasons, including the past three as director of player personnel. He was their director of college scouting for six years.
The hiring Sunday came after the Dolphins were rebuffed by several candidates. New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio was offered the position Saturday but turned down the Dolphins, according to multiple reports. Cleveland Browns assistant general manager Ray Farmer withdrew from consideration Thursday.
Several other candidates turned down chances to interview as a replacement for Jeff Ireland, who left after six seasons.
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News from © The Associated Press, 2014