The NFL world has recently been captivated by the unfolding drama between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. The relationship between the two has been a topic of intense scrutiny and debate among fans and pundits alike.
Tagovailoa, who was picked fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Dolphins, has been open about his experiences under Flores. There were whispers that Flores preferred Justin Herbert over Tagovailoa during the draft, a sentiment that reportedly left Tagovailoa feeling unsupported. Herbert, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers, went on to have an impressive rookie season, only adding fuel to the speculation.
Tagovailoa's entry into the NFL was gradual. He didn't get his first taste of NFL action until a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets in the 2020 season. By Week 8, Tagovailoa started against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Flores' decision to substitute Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during the fourth quarter of a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos, and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders, raised eyebrows. This move seemed indicative of Flores' lack of confidence in Tagovailoa's abilities.
Reflecting on his time under Flores, Tagovailoa shared, “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?”
The 2021 season was further complicated by reports of the Dolphins' interest in trading for Deshaun Watson. While these rumors swirled, tensions remained high. Ultimately, Flores' tenure ended in January 2022 following a 9-8 season. In his departure, he left behind a team and a quarterback who had yet to fully realize their potential together.
Flores, now a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reflected on his time with the Dolphins and his relationship with Tagovailoa. “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?”
With Flores' departure, the Dolphins brought in Mike McDaniel as the new head coach. Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa has flourished. “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?” McDaniel said, expressing his support and belief in Tagovailoa.
Indeed, the results have been promising. Under McDaniel, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023, marking a significant turnaround in his performance and recognition. This success was further cemented by Tagovailoa earning his first Pro Bowl nod, a milestone that signifies his growth and the positive impact of the supportive environment cultivated by McDaniel.
Tagovailoa's sentiments resonate with many athletes who have faced similar challenges. “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,” Tagovailoa remarked, highlighting the importance of a positive and encouraging coaching relationship.
As the Dolphins continue to rebuild and aim for greater heights, the changes in leadership and their effects on team dynamics will remain a focal point. “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,” Tagovailoa noted, reflecting on the new era under McDaniel.