Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently noted that he has not heard from his former coach, Brian Flores, following their recent public exchange. Tagovailoa, who addressed the media, stated he had no additional comments beyond what he previously shared about his relationship with Flores. He confirmed that Flores had not reached out to him, despite the ongoing discussion about their past interactions.
In an interview on “The Dan Le Batard Show,” Tagovailoa criticized Flores’ coaching style, contrasting it with the more supportive approach of current Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.
Tagovailoa described the negative impact of Flores’ harsh critiques on his confidence and performance, explaining how continuous criticism can lead to self-doubt and diminish self-worth. This reflection was part of a broader discussion about how the coaching environment affects player development.
Flores, now the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, responded to Tagovailoa’s comments by acknowledging areas where he could have improved. He admitted that the criticism initially hit him negatively but expressed a desire to use it as a learning opportunity.
Flores emphasized his commitment to growth and improvement, aiming to address and rectify any negative perceptions others might have about his coaching style.
Tagovailoa, meanwhile, mentioned he had not seen Flores’ response and maintained his focus on the present rather than revisiting past issues. Flores’ tenure with the Dolphins spanned Tagovailoa’s first two NFL seasons, which concluded without playoff success. Following Flores’ dismissal, Mike McDaniel was hired as the new head coach and has since played a crucial role in Tagovailoa’s development.
Under McDaniel’s guidance, Tagovailoa has achieved significant success, including setting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. The quarterback signed a substantial contract extension this offseason, reflecting his improved performance.
McDaniel has concentrated on fostering Tagovailoa’s growth and confidence, and although he chose not to comment on Flores’ influence, his focus remains on maximizing player development and achieving team success.
