The tension between Tua Tagovailoa and Brian Flores has resurfaced, bringing insights into their contentious relationship during their time with the Miami Dolphins. Tagovailoa, now continuing his career under the guidance of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, didn’t mince words when describing his former coach as a "terrible person."
Flores, who steered the Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, is now the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. The leadership and tactical approach that landed him this new role also characterized his tenure in Miami. Under Flores, the Dolphins saw a 13-8 record in the regular season with Tagovailoa starting—a sign of effective, albeit turbulent, collaboration.
A Fractured Professional Relationship
The relationship between Flores and Tagovailoa was marked by a significant degree of personal friction. Flores, with 21 years of NFL coaching experience, emphasized maintaining high standards and fostering professional relationships. "I think part of coaching is correcting. I'm always going to correct. I'm always going to have a high standard," Flores remarked. This approach, however, did not seem to resonate well with Tagovailoa.
While reflecting on his time with the Dolphins, Flores admitted there were areas he could improve. "I've done a lot of reflecting on the situation and communication. I think there's things that I could do better for sure, and I've grown in that way," he said. "How can I grow from that? How can I be better? And that's really where I'm at from that standpoint."
Tagovailoa's Perspective
Tagovailoa, drafted as the No. 5 overall pick by the Dolphins in 2020, highlighted the necessity of support in a quarterback-driven league. "A quarterback needs the coach's support. It's a quarterback-driven league. Without a good team and a good quarterback, I don't think you can do much in this league," he stressed. This underscores the importance of a harmonious coach-quarterback relationship, something that seemed lacking with Flores at the helm.
Flores' Commitment to Growth
In his response, Flores showcased a commitment to self-improvement and relationship-building—elements crucial for any coach. "Over the long haul, I've had a lot of great relationships over my 21-year career... I'm going to continue to do that, but I'm also always looking to get better," he reflected. Despite Tagovailoa's harsh critique, Flores appeared determined to refine his approach and ensure that such perceptions do not persist. "I've got to use that and say, 'Hey, how can I grow from that? How can I be better?' 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?"
Tagovailoa, on the other hand, seemed reticent to delve deeper into the clash with his former coach. When prompted for further comments, he concisely stated, "There's nothing more I'd like to add to that."
Currently focused on his career with the Dolphins under McDaniel, Tagovailoa's past insights and his ambitions may yet propel him and the team to new heights. Meanwhile, Flores carries his experiences from Miami to Minnesota, continuously striving for personal and professional growth.