The NFL landscape has been rife with intrigue and drama, especially highlighted by the evolving narrative between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his former head coach Brian Flores. The saga began in earnest in the 2020 NFL Draft when Tagovailoa was picked fifth overall by the Dolphins, a selection made by Dolphins GM Chris Grier amid whispers that Flores had a preference for Justin Herbert, who eventually went to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tagovailoa's journey under Flores began after initially riding the bench, only making his debut in a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets during the 2020 season. By Week 8, he was starting against the Los Angeles Rams. However, his rookie season was marked by a tumultuous dynamic with Flores, highlighted by the coach's decision to substitute veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for him during crucial moments, including the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16.
An Uneasy Relationship
The tension between Tagovailoa and Flores has since become public, shedding light on the former coach's critical stance towards the young quarterback. "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 revealed in a candid moment that encapsulated their strained rapport.
Flores, currently a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has responded with an introspective lens. "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?"
The Winds of Change
Flores' tenure with the Dolphins ended in January 2022 following a 9-8 season, giving way to the arrival of new head coach Mike McDaniel. Under McDaniel’s guidance, Tagovailoa's performance dramatically improved. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and in passing yards in 2023, marking a significant turnaround in his young career. Tagovailoa’s efforts culminated in his first Pro Bowl nod, a milestone that further underscores his growth and resilience.
McDaniel has been a vocal supporter of Tagovailoa, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive approach. "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’s encouraging words highlight the transformative shift in the Dolphins' locker room under his leadership.
Building a New Culture
Tagovailoa himself has noted the positive changes within the team, crediting the new structure and acquisitions under McDaniel. "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.”
Indeed, the environment of support and stability has had a significant impact on Tagovailoa, as he reflected on the importance of feeling supported by his coach. “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.”
As the NFL season progresses, the Dolphins’ storyline remains one to watch. Whether it’s the newfound synergy between Tagovailoa and McDaniel or the lingering shadows of Flores' criticisms, the journey of Tua Tagovailoa is a testament to resilience and the profound impact of leadership in the world of professional sports.