The NFL world has recently been captivated by the unfolding drama between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. Central to this story is Tagovailoa’s recent criticism of Flores, which has come under a microscope.
A Strained Relationship
Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has become increasingly vocal about his challenging time under Flores. The young quarterback conveyed his frustration, painting a picture of a difficult working environment. “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 shared, highlighting the stark contrast in his professional atmosphere.
Rumors that Flores preferred Justin Herbert over Tagovailoa during the 2020 NFL Draft have only added fuel to the fire. It was Dolphins GM Chris Grier who made the decision to draft Tagovailoa, despite whispered preferences for Herbert, who joined the Los Angeles Chargers. Tagovailoa's journey began slowly; he didn’t see NFL action until a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets in the 2020 season and by Week 8, he was starting against the Los Angeles Rams.
Coaching Decisions and Changes
Flores’ approach was scrutinized further when he substituted veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during pivotal moments of the 2020 season. This occurred notably during the fourth quarter of a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Such decisions raised questions about the head coach's confidence in the young quarterback.
The 2021 season didn't bring much relief for Miami as reports emerged about the Dolphins’ interest in trading for Deshaun Watson, adding more uncertainty to Tagovailoa's standing within the team. Despite ending the season with a 9-8 record, Flores' tenure concluded in January 2022, paving the way for Mike McDaniel to step in as the new head coach.
New Leadership, New Opportunities
Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa has experienced a resurgence. The support and trust from his new coach have evidently impacted his performance positively. “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?” said McDaniel, setting a promising tone for their relationship.
McDaniel’s confidence in Tagovailoa paid off. Under his mentorship, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and in passing yards in 2023. These achievements were crowned by Tagovailoa celebrating his first Pro Bowl nod. Feeling the difference, 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.”
Reflection and Growth
The tension between Tagovailoa and Flores has been a significant chapter for both individuals. Flores, now a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has also reflected on the situation. Acknowledging the impact of the criticism, he stated, “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?”
This open reflection showcases Flores' intent to grow beyond the criticisms while maintaining his drive to succeed in his coaching role.
In the ever-competitive NFL environment, support from the head coach can make a significant difference. Tagovailoa acknowledged this by stating, “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.”
The narrative of Tua Tagovailoa and Brian Flores serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate dynamics between players and coaches. As Tagovailoa continues to rise under McDaniel's leadership, the lessons from his challenging past with Flores might just be fuel for his future success.