The NFL community has been riveted by the ongoing saga between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. Tagovailoa’s recent comments critiquing Flores have garnered widespread attention, adding another layer to an already complex relationship.
Tagovailoa, who was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Dolphins, recently voiced his displeasure with his experience under Flores. “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...how would it make you feel listening to one or the other?” Tagovailoa shared. This glimpse into the quarterback's perspective highlights the tension that simmered during Flores' tenure.
Draft Day Decisions and Early Career
Speculation has long surrounded Flores' preference during the 2020 Draft, with whispers indicating he favored Justin Herbert over Tagovailoa. Herbert, who was ultimately selected by the Los Angeles Chargers, has gone on to become a star in his own right, adding fuel to the retrospective scrutiny of the Dolphins' decision.
Chris Grier, the Dolphins' GM, was the one who pulled the trigger on drafting Tagovailoa. However, the young quarterback saw limited action early on, not making his debut until a Week 6 game against the New York Jets. By Week 8, he had earned a start against the Los Angeles Rams but faced a rollercoaster season marked by substitutions.
Tensions on the Field
Throughout the 2020 season, Flores made several high-profile decisions, such as substituting veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa in crucial moments. The fourth-quarter switch in a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders raised eyebrows and perhaps contributed to the strain between coach and quarterback.
The following year, rumors swirled about the Dolphins' potential interest in trading for Deshaun Watson, further unsettling the team's quarterback situation. Despite a 9-8 season, Flores found himself out of a job by January 2022.
A New Dawn Under McDaniel
With the arrival of Mike McDaniel as head coach, the Dolphins embarked on a new chapter, one where Tagovailoa’s talents shone more brightly. “We're gonna have an extensive professional relationship, my man... I’ll earn that from you, you got me?” McDaniel expressed on joining the Dolphins, showing a commitment to nurturing the quarterback’s potential.
Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and topped the charts in passing yards in 2023. This transformation not only earned him a Pro Bowl nod but also significantly altered the atmosphere within the team. “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 commented.
Flores' Perspective
Flores has since moved on to become a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reflecting on the past, he acknowledged the impact of Tagovailoa’s criticism. “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?'” Flores said, indicating a desire to learn and evolve from the experience.
Support Matters
The shift in coaching philosophy under McDaniel has evidently been a boon for Tagovailoa, who emphasized the importance of support. “I think support for any of us as players means a lot. We understand that the NFL is a tough industry... But to be able to have support of the head coach, the head guy, that should tell you a lot,” he remarked.
The lingering question is how the Dolphins’ journey might have been different had these dynamics not played out. Yet, as things stand, Tagovailoa appears to be thriving under new leadership, bringing renewed hope to Miami’s football faithful.