The unfolding drama between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores continues to be a focal point in the NFL world. Tagovailoa’s candid criticism of Flores has not only intensified scrutiny but also shed light on their tumultuous relationship during their time together in Miami.
A Rocky Beginning
Tua Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, whispers suggested that then-head coach Brian Flores preferred Justin Herbert, who was ultimately picked by the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite these rumors, Dolphins GM Chris Grier made the crucial decision to draft Tagovailoa, setting the stage for a complex dynamic.
Tagovailoa's NFL debut came in a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets, followed by his first start in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. Yet, his initial season was marred by uncertainty. Flores substituted veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during critical moments, including in the fourth quarter of a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Public Critique
The tension came to a head with Tagovailoa's public statements criticizing Flores’ handling of his development. “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 said, reflecting on the impact of Flores' feedback.
In response, Flores acknowledged the harshness of his approach but maintained that it was not intended to be damaging. “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?”
A New Chapter
Following Flores' departure after a 9-8 season in January 2022, the Miami Dolphins appointed Mike McDaniel as the new head coach. Under McDaniel’s leadership, Tagovailoa thrived, leading the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023. The rejuvenated quarterback even celebrated his first Pro Bowl nod, marking a significant turnaround in his career.
Tagovailoa's relationship with McDaniel starkly contrasts with his experience under Flores. McDaniel assured Tagovailoa of his faith in his abilities, underscoring the importance of mutual trust. “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?”
Tagovailoa has also acknowledged the positive shift in the team’s atmosphere with McDaniel at the helm. “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.”
He emphasized the significance of support from the head coach, especially in the competitive realm of the NFL. “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.”
Today, Brian Flores is a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, attempting to rebuild his career and reputation. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa continues to evolve as the Miami Dolphins’ franchise quarterback, backed by a coaching staff that believes in his potential and progress.