In recent weeks, the NFL community has been gripped by the unfolding drama involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his former head coach, Brian Flores. The tension has reignited interest in Tagovailoa’s journey in the league, particularly his turbulent relationship with Flores and how things have dramatically shifted under new head coach Mike McDaniel.
Draft Day Decisions and Early Challenges
Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, a decision made by Dolphins GM Chris Grier amid whispers that Flores had preferred Justin Herbert, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. Tagovailoa's entry into the NFL wasn't immediate; he only saw action in Week 6 against the New York Jets and started his first game in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the high expectations, Tagovailoa’s rookie season was far from smooth. Controversially, Flores substituted him for the veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick during crucial moments—specifically in the fourth quarter of games against the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16. These decisions added fuel to the narrative that Flores lacked full faith in the young quarterback.
A Rocky Relationship
Tagovailoa didn’t mince words when discussing his tenure under Flores. “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 questioned.
Flores' time with the Dolphins came to an end after a 9-8 season in January 2022. Reflecting on the tumultuous period, 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."
A New Era Under McDaniel
The appointment of Mike McDaniel as head coach marked a significant turning point for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. McDaniel’s confidence in Tagovailoa was evident. “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?”
Shining Under New Guidance
Tagovailoa thrived under McDaniel’s leadership, demonstrating remarkable improvement. He led the NFL in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023, milestones that underscore his growth and the change in team dynamics. “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 on the positive changes within the organization.
Tagovailoa’s achievements culminated in his first Pro Bowl selection, a testament to his perseverance and talent. Reflecting on the support he's received, Tagovailoa emphasized, “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.”
Looking Forward
As Flores now transitions into his role as a linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are focused on the future. The journey from contentious beginnings to emergent success illustrates the complexities and transformative potential within professional sports. Under McDaniel's guidance, the Dolphins and Tagovailoa are poised for further accomplishments, writing a new chapter in the franchise's storied history.