In a recent interview on the “Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not hold back his criticism of former head coach Brian Flores, describing him as a “terrible person.” Tagovailoa’s candid remarks shed light on his experiences under Flores’ leadership and contrast his former coach’s approach with that of his current head coach, Mike McDaniel.
Tagovailoa’s Critique of Flores
During the interview, Tagovailoa shared his struggles with Flores’ coaching style. “To put it in 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 right, 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 whatever, you are this, you are that’ – how would that make you feel?” Tagovailoa asked, emphasizing the negative impact of Flores’ approach on his self-esteem and performance.
He elaborated on how constant negative reinforcement can affect one’s self-belief, saying, “You start to actually believe that. I don’t care who you are. You could be the President of the United States. If you have a terrible person that’s telling you things that you don’t want to hear or probably shouldn’t be hearing, you’re going to start to believe that about yourself.”
Tagovailoa, who was drafted by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, spent two seasons under Flores. During this period, he faced injuries and inconsistent play, resulting in a challenging start to his NFL career.
Flores’ Departure and McDaniel’s Impact
Flores was dismissed as Dolphins head coach in January 2022 after three seasons, with Mike McDaniel taking over the role. The change in leadership marked a significant turning point for Tagovailoa’s career. Under McDaniel, Tagovailoa has flourished, showcasing marked improvements in his performance and consistency.
In McDaniel’s first year as head coach, Tagovailoa threw for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in just 13 games, despite missing four games due to concussions. He was selected for his first Pro Bowl. The following season, Tagovailoa started all 17 games for the first time, leading the NFL with 4,264 passing yards and achieving a completion rate of 69.3 percent. His impressive stats included 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, contributing to the Dolphins’ playoff appearances under McDaniel’s leadership.
Flores’ Current Role and Response
Brian Flores, now the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, was approached for comment regarding Tagovailoa’s remarks, but neither Flores nor the Vikings have responded publicly. In response to Tagovailoa’s comments, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell defended Flores, stating, “I don’t particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team, or I don’t like to comment on comments of other players on other teams, but I can just tell you I know the players Flo works with, he’s got great relationships here.”
O’Connell highlighted Flores’ positive impact on his current players, contrasting with Tagovailoa’s criticisms and emphasizing the strong relationships Flores has built in his new role.
Looking Ahead
As Tagovailoa prepares for the upcoming NFL season, his relationship with McDaniel and the progress he has made since Flores’ departure are key factors in his continued development. Despite the Dolphins’ recent playoff struggles, Tagovailoa’s performance under McDaniel signals a promising future. The quarterback’s comments provide insight into his challenging experiences with Flores and highlight the transformative impact of supportive coaching on player performance.
