In recent days, the NFL landscape has been abuzz with tension surrounding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his former head coach Brian Flores. The Dolphins' decision to draft Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, orchestrated by General Manager Chris Grier, has since sparked much debate, especially considering whispers that Flores might have preferred Justin Herbert, who went to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tagovailoa's initial NFL journey saw him entering the game within a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets in the 2020 season. By Week 8, he had already secured a starting position against the Los Angeles Rams. However, his rookie season was marked by a turbulent relationship with Flores, as the head coach made controversial substitutions, notably replacing Tagovailoa with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick during the fourth quarter of a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Tensions and Criticism
The strain in their relationship became even more evident with Tagovailoa's recent revelations about the criticism he faced during his tenure under Flores. In a candid expression of his feelings, 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?”
Flores, now serving as a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has responded to these criticisms, acknowledging their impact but focusing on personal growth. “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?”
A New Era Under McDaniel
Fast forward to the post-Flores era, and the Dolphins have seen considerable changes under new head coach Mike McDaniel, who took the helm in January 2022 following Flores’ firing after a 9-8 season. McDaniel has shown unwavering support for Tagovailoa, aiming to cultivate a positive and thriving environment for the young quarterback. In an encouraging exchange, McDaniel told Tagovailoa, “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?”
Tagovailoa has thrived under McDaniel's guidance, leading the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023. Reflecting on the shift in atmosphere and approach, Tagovailoa commented, “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's Growth and Recognition
Beyond numbers, Tagovailoa's progress has been marked by greater confidence and leadership within the team. He celebrated his first Pro Bowl nod, an achievement that underscores his growing stature in the league. The difference in support under McDaniel cannot be overstated, as Tagovailoa himself noted, “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 Dolphins continue their journey, the narrative of Tagovailoa and Flores remains a significant chapter in the franchise's recent history. The dynamic between coach and quarterback can make or break seasons, and the Dolphins' trajectory under McDaniel gives hope to fans and players alike. With a redefined locker room spirit and a quarterback flourishing under positive reinforcement, Miami seems poised for brighter days ahead.