MIAMI GARDENS — So far, the start of this new Dolphins era has a different feeling. It has the feeling of doing things right. It has the feeling of trying to win games rather than trying to be fun and entertaining.

The recent moves by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley indicate that Club Mike, the resort-like atmosphere the Dolphins basked in for the previous four seasons, is truly coming to an end and this franchise is about to return to serious, hard-nosed football.

On the other hand, it was only a few weeks ago that owner Steve Ross, who foolishly OK’d quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s four-year, $212 million contract extension in 2024, totally bungled the firing of ex-coach Mike McDaniel. Ross awkwardly interrupted McDaniel’s exit meeting with tight end Darren Waller to inform McDaniel, who was led to think he’d have a voice in selecting the new general manager, of his dismissal. The entire episode reeks of everlasting ineptitude.

So the Dolphins haven’t totally escaped their buffoon-like past with Ross at the helm. Based on that fact, a few more years mired in mediocrity remains a possibility.

However, recent moves such as cutting wide receiver Tyreek Hill and guard James Daniels and reportedly cutting edge rusher Bradley Chubb indicate it’s a new day for the Dolphins. These moves aren’t a direct rebuke of the previous way of doing things, but it’s close. And that’s a good thing.

Obviously, there’s a long, long way to go with the new Dolphins regime. And I’m nowhere near drawing conclusions.

Remember, the goal is winning a Super Bowl. Having a winning season, which the Dolphins haven’t done since 2023, and winning a playoff game, which the Dolphins haven’t done since 2000, are merely stepping stones on the path to the goal (you’ll notice I didn’t list having the league’s No. 1 offense).

So let’s not get ahead of ourselves with these recent good vibes.

For now, we’ll just say things appear to be heading in the right direction with the Dolphins.

The good thing that Sullivan and Hafley did with these recent moves is they sent a message.

The Daniels move sends a no-nonsense message about keeping a guy who only played three snaps last season due to a pectoral injury. There were whispers the Dolphins wanted Daniels to return at some point last season, but he allegedly balked. Now he’s gone. The Hill and Chubb releases send a message about keeping high-priced 30-somethings during a rebuild. That’s not happenining, so they’re gone.

These moves aren’t what the previous regime would have done, and that’s perhaps the best indication that things are headed in the right direction under Sullivan and Hafley.

Ross started this new era correctly by seeking an outside voice — Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman — for the general manager and head coach hiring committees. Word has it that there are no plans at this point for Aikman to play a further role in this franchise.

Of course, Ross, patient zero when it comes to Miami’s failures, remains the Dolphins owner. Few things he’s done in that role have worked out well so let’s wait and see on this new regime. To this point, Ross’ fingerprints on a Dolphins decision have resembled evidence of a crime rather than a budding success.

Still, the cuts by Sullivan and Hafley make you think it’s truly a new day in Dolphinsland, that winning will now be more important than entertaining or being friends with players.

The key for Sullivan and Hafley is to keep delivering on the smart moves. Bigger tests are on the horizon.

Running back De’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks, all key players a year ago, will likely want contract extensions because each is headed into the final year of his deal.

There are also questions about what to do with injury-prone right tackle Austin Jackson, who could save the team $13.7 million if he’s released, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who could save the team $12.9 million if he’s cut.

And Miami still must figure out its quarterback situation, whether that means signing Green Bay quarterback Malik Willis to a multi-year deal or finding another solution.

After that, there’s pressure to deliver relative immediate results such as what recently transpired in Seattle, New England, Chicago and Denver. If not, Sullivan and Halfey could be looking for new jobs in three or four years.

But again, let’s take this one step at a time.

Through five weeks, the new Dolphins regime gives you the feeling that things are now being done the right way, and that’s different for this franchise. Simply put, that’s encouraging.