The ongoing narrative in the NFL surrounding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores has captivated fans and analysts alike. The tension between the two and the subsequent changes in the Dolphins' coaching staff have been pivotal elements in recent NFL discussions.
Tagovailoa’s Candid Criticism
Tua Tagovailoa, who was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, has openly criticized his former head coach, Brian Flores. Tagovailoa gave a striking insight into his past struggles, saying: “To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this. And then you have somebody else come in and tell you, 'Dude, you are the best fit for this. You're accurate. You're the best whatever, you're this, you're that.' How would it make you feel listening to one or the other?”
Tagovailoa's struggle for validation reached a peak when whispers emerged that Flores preferred Justin Herbert over him during the draft. Herbert, who found his home with the Los Angeles Chargers, was an underlying benchmark that Tagovailoa was allegedly judged against.
Flores' Perspective
Now serving as the linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brian Flores has responded to the criticism. Reflecting on his tenure with the Dolphins, he remarked, “Look, I'm human. So that hit me in a way that wasn't positive for me. But at the same time, I've got to use that and say, 'Hey, how can I grow from that? How can I be better?' And that's really where I'm at from that standpoint. Do I feel like that's me? No. But how can I grow from that situation and create a world where that's not the case that anyone says that about Brian Flores?”
During his tenure, Flores made significant lineup decisions that included substituting veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during critical moments in the 2020 season, notably in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders. His tenure saw further complications with reports emerging in 2021 about the Dolphins' interest in trading for Deshaun Watson, adding an additional layer of instability during Tagovailoa’s crucial developmental phase.
New Leadership and Renewed Confidence
Following a 9-8 season in 2021, the Dolphins parted ways with Flores in January 2022. Mike McDaniel was appointed as the new head coach, bringing a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of support. McDaniel's arrival marked a significant turning point for Tagovailoa. In an early meeting, McDaniel expressed his confidence in the young quarterback: “We're gonna have an extensive professional relationship, my man. One thing I know about you is, you have the ambition to be great. My job is to coach you to get all that greatness out of you… This is an awesome day for me, and I'm damn sure gonna make sure that when you look back on this day, you're gonna be like, 'Damn, that was one of the best days of my career, too.' But I'll earn that from you, you got me?”
Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa thrived. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and followed up with leading the league in passing yards in 2023, culminating in his first Pro Bowl selection. Reflecting on the transformations within the team, Tagovailoa highlighted the importance of the positive changes in the locker room: “I just feel like there are so many things that have happened. There are a lot of changes, and a lot of good changes, I guess, with the people that we've picked up and the guys that we've acquired as well. The locker room feels different.”
The impact of having a supportive head coach was also echoed by Tagovailoa, who stated, “I think support for any of us as players means a lot. We understand that the NFL is a tough industry. It's tough to play because you're playing against the best every Sunday. But to be able to have support of the head coach, the head guy, that should tell you a lot.”
As the Dolphins navigate their future, the dynamics between a player and their coach will undoubtedly remain a critical factor. The ongoing saga between Tagovailoa and Flores serves as a compelling reminder of the profound impact leadership can have on an athlete’s career. Under the current leadership of Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa's career appears to be on an upward trajectory, showcasing the potential heights that can be reached with the right guidance and support.