The dynamics within the Miami Dolphins' organization have been anything but stable over the past few years, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores recently brought to light through their public remarks. The relationship between the two has been a focal point of discussion, offering insights into the turbulence that has characterized Tagovailoa’s early career in the NFL.
A Rocky Start
Tagovailoa was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, a decision attributed to Dolphins GM Chris Grier. Meanwhile, there were whispers that Brian Flores, then head coach of the Dolphins, had a preference for Justin Herbert, who ended up being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. This initial discord could have been an early sign of the complex relationship that would develop between Tagovailoa and Flores.
Tagovailoa made his NFL debut in a Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets during the 2020 season and earned his first start by Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite these milestones, Tagovailoa's rookie season was marked by moments of doubt and replacement. Notably, Flores substituted veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during crucial moments in the fourth quarter of a Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos and again in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Tensions With Flores
The tension between Tagovailoa and Flores became more apparent as the 2021 season progressed, with rumors circulating about the Dolphins’ interest in trading for Deshaun Watson. These rumors added another layer of uncertainty for Tagovailoa, who was already navigating the pressures of proving himself in the NFL.
In a revealing interview, Tagovailoa shed light on the atmosphere under Flores' leadership. “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 explained. His words paint a picture of the psychological strain he endured during his formative professional years.
A New Chapter Begins
Flores' tenure with the Dolphins concluded in January 2022 after a 9-8 season. He subsequently joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a linebackers coach. Reflecting on his time with the Dolphins and the criticisms levied against him, Flores remarked, “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 Dolphins appointed Mike McDaniel as the new head coach following Flores' departure. McDaniel quickly set a tone of encouragement and support for 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?” McDaniel's words encapsulated a renewed sense of optimism and direction.
Tagovailoa Thrives Under New Leadership
Under McDaniel's guidance, Tagovailoa's performance soared. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023, marking a significant turnaround in his career trajectory. Tagovailoa also celebrated his first Pro Bowl nod, a testament to his improved play and growing confidence.
The Miami Dolphins' locker room dynamics also witnessed a notable shift. “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 commented. His remarks reflect the positive atmosphere cultivated by McDaniel and the new team additions.
Support from leadership proved to be a cornerstone of Tagovailoa's resurgence. “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,” Tagovailoa noted, emphasizing the importance of a supportive coaching staff in professional sports.
As Tua Tagovailoa continues to grow and develop, his journey from rookie uncertainty to leading the league in key metrics underlines the profound impact of leadership and support within an NFL team. The Dolphins' shift in coaching philosophy, from Flores to McDaniel, has not only revitalized Tagovailoa's career but has also set the stage for a promising future for the franchise.