Tua Tagovailoa has expressed strong feelings about his former coach Brian Flores, labeling him a “terrible person.” This sentiment reflects a lack of mutual respect that has characterized their relationship since Flores took the reins as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
During Flores’ tenure, which spanned the first two years of Tagovailoa’s NFL career, the coaching approach was rooted in tough love. Flores, who previously worked under Bill Belichick, often pushed his players hard, which may not have resonated well with Tagovailoa.
In stark contrast, Mike McDaniel, who succeeded Flores in 2022, has adopted a more supportive coaching style. This shift has had a noticeable impact on Tagovailoa’s development, as highlighted in a recent interview with Miami radio host Dan Le Batard.
Tagovailoa articulated the difference in coaching styles succinctly, stating, “If you woke up every morning and I told you that you sucked at what you did… and then you have somebody else come in and tell you, ‘Dude, you are the best fit for this. You are accurate, you are the best…’ how would it make you feel listening to one or the other?” This comparison underscores the importance of positive reinforcement in a player’s growth.
The consistency of feedback—whether negative from Flores or positive from McDaniel—has played a significant role in shaping Tagovailoa’s confidence and performance on the field.
Drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa faced challenges in his rookie season, often being overshadowed by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. His 2021 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 13 games and resulting in modest statistics: 2,653 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
However, the narrative changed in 2023 when Tagovailoa flourished under McDaniel’s guidance. He led the NFL in passing yards with 4,624 and achieved 29 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. The Dolphins have also made playoff appearances in both of McDaniel’s seasons as head coach.
Following his dismissal from Miami after the 2021 season, despite a respectable 9-8 record, Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging racial discrimination in his treatment by the Dolphins and other teams. This ongoing case has drawn significant attention to the issues of race and equity in professional sports. Currently, Flores serves as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
