The NFL landscape has been riveted by the ongoing drama between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores. Not long ago, Tagovailoa's recent criticism of Flores drew considerable attention. Meanwhile, Flores has since transitioned to a role as a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tagovailoa's journey with the Miami Dolphins began when he was picked fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, even though whispers suggested that Flores preferred Justin Herbert, who was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite the speculation, it was Dolphins GM Chris Grier who ultimately chose Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa's debut in the NFL came during a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets, and by Week 8, he was starting against the Los Angeles Rams.
Early Struggles and Substitutions
Flores' handling of Tagovailoa in his rookie year raised eyebrows. Notably, Flores substituted veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during the fourth quarter of a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. This inconsistent handling reportedly impacted Tagovailoa's development and confidence.
Tagovailoa himself revealed the emotional toll these actions had on him. “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...how would it make you feel listening to one or the other?” he said, highlighting the dichotomy between his interactions with Flores and the support from others.
Transition and Redemption
The 2021 season brought a new set of challenges and rumors, including reports about the Dolphins’ interest in trading for Deshaun Watson, further complicating Tagovailoa's situation. Despite finishing with a 9-8 season, Flores' tenure with the Dolphins ended in January 2022.
Following Flores' departure, Mike McDaniel took over as the head coach. McDaniel's approach towards Tagovailoa marked a stark contrast to that of his predecessor. “We're gonna have an extensive professional relationship, my man. One thing I know about you is, you have the ambition to be great,” McDaniel assured Tagovailoa, emphasizing his commitment to unlocking the quarterback's potential.
Resurgence Under McDaniel
Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa not only led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 but also topped the charts in passing yards in 2023. His impressive performance earned him his first Pro Bowl nod, a milestone that validated the faith McDaniel had shown in him.
Tagovailoa acknowledged the rejuvenating atmosphere around the team. “I just feel like there are so many things that have happened...The locker room feels different,” he remarked, pointing to the positive changes in team dynamics and personnel. He also emphasized the importance of having the support of the head coach, saying, “I think support for any of us as players means a lot. We understand that the NFL is a tough industry...But to be able to have support of the head coach, the head guy, that should tell you a lot.”
Looking Forward
As for Flores, he reflects on his time with the Dolphins with an eye towards 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?'” Flores stated, underscoring his introspective approach to criticism and adversity.
The ongoing storyline between Tagovailoa and Flores offers a glimpse into the complexities of NFL careers, where coaching philosophies and player development intersect in profound ways. For Tagovailoa, the newfound sense of stability and support under McDaniel's leadership has paved the way for his ascension as one of the league's burgeoning stars. And for Flores, the journey towards self-improvement continues, even as he takes on new challenges with the Pittsburgh Steelers.