The NFL world has recently been captivated by the unfolding drama between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. Tagovailoa’s recent criticism of Flores has been a topic of intense scrutiny, exposing the tumultuous relationship that existed between player and coach during their time together in Miami.
Early Days and Draft Decisions
Drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa entered the league with high expectations. However, there were whispers that Brian Flores, the Dolphins’ then-head coach, had a different vision. Reports suggested that Flores preferred Justin Herbert over Tagovailoa for the draft pick. Herbert went on to be drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers, and the decision by Dolphins GM Chris Grier to select Tagovailoa has been a point of contention ever since.
Tagovailoa’s NFL debut came in Week 6 of the 2020 season against the New York Jets. By Week 8, he secured the starting position against the Los Angeles Rams. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Flores was quick to substitute veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for the young Tagovailoa during crucial moments, such as in a Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos and once again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. These decisions fueled speculation about Flores’ confidence in his young quarterback.
Struggles and Criticism
Tagovailoa’s tumultuous experience under Flores’ leadership became more apparent in his recent candid remarks. “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 reflected, highlighting the psychological toll of Flores' constant criticism.
Flores, who is now a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has responded to the allegations with a sense of reflection. “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
The narrative took a turn following the end of the 2021 season, which saw the Dolphins show interest in acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson, further casting a shadow over Tagovailoa’s future with the team. Flores' tenure ended in January 2022 after a 9-8 season and ushered in a new era with Mike McDaniel stepping in as the head coach.
Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa experienced a resurgence. McDaniel, known for his empowering coaching philosophy, assured Tua of his belief in his abilities. “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 responded to the new environment impressively, leading the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and topping the charts in passing yards in 2023. His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl nod, solidifying his place among the league's elite quarterbacks. Tua expressed his gratitude for the renewed support: “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 the support of the head coach, the head guy, that should tell you a lot.”
A Brighter Future
Tua Tagovailoa’s journey through the NFL has been marked by significant highs and lows. The shift in team dynamics and leadership has undoubtedly played a critical role in shaping his career. Reflecting on the changes, Tua noted, “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.”
As the Dolphins continue to build around their star quarterback, the lessons from the past few seasons will serve both Tagovailoa and his revamped team well. The support system under McDaniel appears to be fostering an environment where Tua's talents can truly flourish, potentially paving the way for continued success and stability for the franchise.