The Miami Dolphins‘ general manager search is off and running, as Miami has sprinted out the gate with half a dozen interview requests for the lead spot in their football operation. Interview requests were able to go out as of this morning, and Miami has rapidly filled the calendar.

Among the names Miami called? Josh Williams of the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers front office structure has a slew of talented executives under general manager John Lynch — and the Dolphins will get a good look at three of them. But Williams was the one closest to a general manager position last year; he was a finalist for the Jacksonville job that ultimately went to James Gladstone.

Here are five things you need to know about 49ers Director of Scouting & Football Operations Josh Williams.

5 things Dolphins fans should know about GM candidate: 49ers executive Josh Williams

1. An Ivy League Education

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross digs the Ivy League guys, it seems. We don’t officially know the fate of head coach Mike McDaniel yet, but we do know he’s been on the job for four years as an Ivy League representative from Yale. Another one of Miami’s general manager interview requests from Monday, Philadelphia’s Alec Halaby, is a Harvard grad.

Williams attended Columbia and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2010. While there, Williams played wide receiver for four seasons.

2. Business Background In The Real World

The football background is one thing. The Ivy League background is impressive. But Williams’ impressive roots also feature work in the real world. Williams worked for TD Ameritrade in New York City as a business analyst of investment products, offering him some advanced application of data-driven insights, analytics, and the economic challenges that he uses in his current role as the Director of Scouting & Football Operations. Per his biography page on the 49ers website, Williams directs pro & college scouting, supports player development, and assists in contract negotiations.

3. A 49ers Lifer (So Far)

Williams has been with the San Francisco 49ers franchise for 15 seasons. He’s a native of Santa Rosa, CA — the West Coast has always been home. After graduating from Columbia, Williams first joined the 49ers as an assistant in scouting. In 2013, he earned his first promotion to pro personnel scout. By 2016, he was the 49ers’ scouting representative for NFS (National Football Scouting). He’s held a director position for the last two seasons.

4. Groomed For A GM Role

Williams is young. But he’s been on the fast track for a leadership position while participating in the NFL’s Front Office & General Manager Accelerator Program.

“Through a series of leadership development workshops and networking sessions led by renowned academic leaders and industry experts, candidates will leave with valuable insights and practical tools to support their journey to future leadership roles.

The 49ers are proud to be represented at this month’s program by this year’s rising prospect, Josh Williams – recognized for his proven excellence and readiness to take on top roles within the NFL.”

— San Francisco’s press release on Williams’ invitation to partake in the program

5. A Finalist In Jacksonville

The Jaguars had an odd offseason cycle last year, initially conducting a head coaching search without the intent of hiring a new general manager. That was, of course, until Liam Coen told them he wouldn’t take the job and get married to then-GM Trent Baalke. As a result, the Jaguars got into the GM interviews late. Among the finalists for the role? Josh Williams. The job ultimately went to another youngster on the West Coast, as Rams executive James Gladstone took the post.

With another year of experience and the 49ers’ return to the postseason, perhaps his resume will be viewed as strong enough to close a gig this time around.