The NFL community has been thoroughly engrossed in the evolving story between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. The recent criticism from Tagovailoa aimed at Flores has drawn significant attention and analysis.
Brian Flores, who now serves as a linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, once led the Dolphins during a pivotal period in Tagovailoa’s burgeoning career. Drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by Miami, Tagovailoa was seen as a potential franchise savior. However, the relationship between the player and coach appears to have been anything but smooth.
Turbulent Beginnings
In his inaugural season, Tagovailoa saw his first NFL action in a Week 6 contest against the New York Jets. By Week 8, he had taken the starting role in a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite these milestones, there were internal dynamics at play that suggested all was not well. Rumors circulated that Flores had preferred Justin Herbert, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers, over Tagovailoa. The decision to draft Tagovailoa, it should be noted, was ultimately made by Dolphins GM Chris Grier.
The tension between coach and quarterback seemed palpable as Flores frequently substituted veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during the 2020 season, notably in a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Strain and Support
Reflecting on his early experiences, Tagovailoa conveyed the emotional toll of Flores' criticisms: “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' approach and the subsequent internal strife led to speculation about the Dolphins exploring a trade for Deshaun Watson during the 2021 season. Ultimately, Flores' tenure with Miami concluded after the team posted a 9-8 record in January 2022.
A New Era Begins
In the wake of Flores’ departure, Mike McDaniel was appointed as the new head coach of the Dolphins. McDaniel’s tenure ushered in not only a refreshed optimism but also an opportunity for Tagovailoa to flourish. The quarterback expressed optimism about the changes: “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.”
Under McDaniel’s guidance, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and subsequently topped the league in passing yards in 2023, achievements that underscored his potential and ability. These accomplishments culminated in Tagovailoa's first Pro Bowl selection, a milestone that highlighted his growth and resilience.
McDaniel’s supportive approach has made a marked difference for Tagovailoa. McDaniel’s words to his quarterback were clear and encouraging: “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?”
Reflections and Improvements
Tagovailoa himself acknowledged the importance of support at the professional level: “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 for Flores, he reflects on the criticisms and their impact: “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 saga between Tagovailoa and Flores serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the NFL. It sheds light on the profound impact of leadership, communication, and support in shaping the careers of young players. As Tagovailoa continues to rise under new leadership, the lessons from past tensions remain a critical part of his journey.