Pro Bowl QB Reportedly Disliked Playing for Former Dolphins Coach

Tua Tagovailoa has experienced two vastly different coaching styles during his four years in the NFL. His comparison of the two is strikingly clear, particularly in light of his recent remarks.

In a candid interview on “The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz,” Tagovailoa opened up about his time under former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. The young quarterback didn’t hold back when discussing his preferences between Flores and his current coach, Mike McDaniel.

Tagovailoa expressed that his time with Flores was challenging, stating: “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… How would it make you feel listening to one or the other?”

From Tagovailoa’s description, it’s evident that McDaniel fosters an encouraging environment, while Flores’s approach relied heavily on negative reinforcement. This method did not yield favorable results during Flores’s tenure in Miami.

Tagovailoa’s experience with Flores was far from smooth. After being drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, he faced an uphill battle to secure a starting position. Flores opted for Ryan Fitzpatrick to start the season, which kept Tagovailoa on the bench longer than anticipated. Even after being named the starter, Tagovailoa found himself benched twice in his rookie season.

The 2021 season brought more turmoil for Tagovailoa, as Flores appeared intent on acquiring Deshaun Watson, who was on the trade block. This persistent push to replace him added to the stress Tagovailoa experienced during his time with Flores.

Flores had a long stint in New England before becoming the Dolphins head coach in 2019. It seems he drew inspiration from Bill Belichick’s tough-love coaching style. Belichick was known for his critical approach, famously challenging Tom Brady during team film sessions. Unfortunately, this technique did not resonate with every player, particularly Tagovailoa.

“You hear it and you hear it—regardless of what is, the good or the bad—and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that,” Tagovailoa shared. “I don’t care who you are… you’re going to start to believe that about yourself. That’s sort of what ended up happening. It’s basically been two years of training that out.”

Following the 2021 season, Flores was let go, and the Dolphins turned to Mike McDaniel as their new head coach. Under McDaniel’s guidance, Tagovailoa has significantly improved. Last season, he led the NFL in passing yards, amassing an impressive 4,624 yards, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.

Tagovailoa’s outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed. Recently, the Dolphins rewarded him with a four-year contract extension worth $212.4 million, which includes an impressive $167 million guaranteed. This long-term commitment signals Miami’s belief in Tagovailoa’s abilities and potential, a future that seems promising in stark contrast to his time under Flores.

As Tagovailoa continues to thrive under McDaniel, it’s evident that the positive reinforcement and supportive coaching style have helped him regain confidence and elevate his game. His tumultuous journey with Flores serves as a reminder of the significant impact coaching can have on a player’s development.

This ongoing evolution highlights not only Tagovailoa’s resilience but also the Dolphins’ commitment to building a successful team around him. With a coach that truly believes in him, Tagovailoa’s prospects for continued success in Miami appear brighter than ever.