The evolving story between Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former head coach Brian Flores has gripped the NFL community in recent weeks. Tagovailoa's latest barbs aimed at Flores have reignited discussions about their tumultuous relationship during their time together in Miami.
Tagovailoa, selected fifth overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, was a contentious choice. Rumors swirled that Flores had a preference for Justin Herbert, who went to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Dolphins GM Chris Grier ultimately decided to bet on Tagovailoa's potential. The rookie did not take his first snap until a Week 6 game against the New York Jets and became a starter by Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Struggles and Scrutiny
The early stages of Tagovailoa's NFL career were marked by inconsistency and public critique. Flores made headlines when he substituted veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tagovailoa during critical moments of the 2020 season, including in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos and Week 16 versus the Las Vegas Raiders. These moves fueled speculation about Flores' confidence in Tagovailoa as the team's long-term solution at quarterback.
The 2021 season introduced additional tension, with reports surfacing about the Dolphins’ interest in trading for Deshaun Watson. Despite these distractions, Tagovailoa attempted to focus on his development amid the swirling rumors and public scrutiny.
Transition and Triumph
Flores' tenure with the Dolphins ended in January 2022 after a 9-8 season. The arrival of new head coach Mike McDaniel marked a significant shift in the team's dynamics. In McDaniel, Tagovailoa found a supportive ally. McDaniel's approach provided a stark contrast to his predecessor, emphasizing positivity and belief in Tagovailoa's talents.
Under McDaniel’s guidance, Tagovailoa flourished. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Reflecting on the transformative changes, Tagovailoa remarked, “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.”
The War of Words
Despite the newfound success, the quarterback has not shied away from expressing the emotional toll his early years in the NFL took 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, 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?” said Tagovailoa, encapsulating the dual narratives he faced.
Flores' Response
Meanwhile, Flores, now a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been reflective but resolute. Addressing the criticisms, he stated, “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
McDaniel, in his role as Tagovailoa’s coach, continues to stress the importance of a strong support system. “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 voiced his appreciation for the renewed atmosphere, saying, “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 move forward, the relationship between McDaniel and Tagovailoa, the personal growth of Flores, and the lessons learned from past dynamics will shape the narrative of the franchise’s quest for success.