The NFL community is abuzz with the drama unfolding between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, recently made headlines with his pointed criticism of Flores, bringing new attention to their past turbulent relationship.
The Draft Dilemma
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier decided to select Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert, who was subsequently drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. According to whispers within the league, Flores had a preference for Herbert. Tagovailoa’s comments have reignited discussions about whether the coach-quarterback relationship impeded his development.
Rocky Beginnings
Tua Tagovailoa’s NFL career began in Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season during a match-up against the New York Jets. By Week 8, he had taken on the starting role, guiding the Dolphins against the Los Angeles Rams. However, his rookie season was marked by instability, with Flores substituting veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during crucial moments in games against the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports in the 2021 season heightened the tension, with rumors swirling about the Dolphins' interest in trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
This tumultuous period took a toll on Tagovailoa, who vocalized his frustration in a recent interview. “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?” he reflected.
Regime Change
After compiling a 9-8 record in the 2021 season, Brian Flores was relieved of his duties in January 2022. He soon found a new role as a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Enter Mike McDaniel, the new head coach for the Miami Dolphins, who took over with hopes of stabilizing the franchise and getting the best out of their young quarterback.
McDaniel's approach stands in stark contrast to that of his predecessor. During his introduction to Tagovailoa, McDaniel emphasized his commitment to the quarterback’s development. “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?”
Resurgence Under New Leadership
Under McDaniel’s guidance, Tagovailoa saw a significant improvement in his performance. In the 2022 season, he led the NFL in passer rating. Further cementing his growth, Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards in 2023, an achievement that culminated in his first Pro Bowl selection.
Reflecting on the changes within the team, Tagovailoa remarked, “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.”
Supportive Environment
Tagovailoa's outspoken remarks highlight the importance of a supportive environment in the highly competitive 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,” he emphasized.
As the Miami Dolphins move forward, the evolving dynamics between quarterback and coach will remain under scrutiny. The team’s future success will likely hinge on how well this newly forged alliance between Tagovailoa and McDaniel can navigate the pressures and expectations of the NFL landscape.