The NFL community has been riveted by recent developments surrounding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. The tension between the two figures has elicited significant public interest and scrutiny.
A Draft Controversy
Back in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tua Tagovailoa was chosen fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins. However, there were murmurs that Brian Flores, then the head coach, had a preference for Justin Herbert, who was ultimately drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. The decision to draft Tagovailoa was made by Dolphins GM Chris Grier. The young quarterback didn't get his first taste of action until a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets that season. By Week 8, he made his first start against the Los Angeles Rams.
Early Struggles and Criticism
The 2020 season was a tumultuous period for Tagovailoa. In a Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Flores chose to substitute Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during the fourth quarter. Another substitution occurred in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. These moves stirred conversations about the coach's confidence in his rookie quarterback.
Tagovailoa has since voiced his displeasure with the treatment he received under Flores. He remarked, “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' Transition and Reflective Thoughts
Following a 9-8 season, Flores' tenure came to an end in January 2022. He has since taken on the role of linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reflecting on Tagovailoa’s comments, Flores said, “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?”
New Leadership and Renewed Confidence
The arrival of Mike McDaniel as the new head coach marked a turning point for Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. Under McDaniel's stewardship, Tagovailoa has reached new heights, leading the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and in passing yards in 2023. Tagovailoa's growth and confidence have been self-evident, as McDaniel has been a pillar of support and motivation for the young quarterback.
During their introduction, McDaniel stated, “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?”
The Impact of Change
Tagovailoa has acknowledged the positive changes within the team under McDaniel's leadership. “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,” he shared.
Highlighting the importance of support from the head coach, Tagovailoa added, “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 the support of the head coach, the head guy, that should tell you a lot.”
As the Dolphins continue their journey, the narrative of Tagovailoa's rise amid past and present challenges exemplifies the evolving nature of the NFL. With McDaniel at the helm and a rejuvenated locker room, the future looks promising for the young quarterback and his team.