Dolphins chose Tua Tagovailoa over coach Brian Flores

Tua Tagovailoa had a challenging start to his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. In his first two seasons, he threw for 4,467 yards and 27 touchdowns but also had 15 interceptions and 10 fumbles. After the 2021 season, head coach Brian Flores was fired amid controversy, and it was suggested that there was tension between him and Tagovailoa. Omar Kelly from the Miami Herald reported that Tagovailoa had urged the Dolphins' management to choose between him and Flores. Kelly explained that while the organization wanted Tagovailoa, Flores preferred a different quarterback, Jordan Love, and did not initially support Tagovailoa's selection over Justin Herbert. Flores was said to have treated Tagovailoa harshly, including benching him in favor of Jacoby Brissett. This strained their relationship, especially after a loss in Tennessee during the 2021 season. Kelly clarified that while Tagovailoa didn't directly cause Flores' firing, he did express a desire for a change by stating "it's him or me." After leaving the Dolphins, Flores filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, claiming he faced unfair treatment in the NFL. The Dolphins later hired Mike McDaniel as the new head coach. Under McDaniel, Tagovailoa improved significantly, leading the league in passer rating in 2022 and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, with 4,624 passing yards. Currently, the Dolphins face uncertainty regarding star receiver Tyreek Hill, who hinted at wanting a trade. If Hill stays, the team hopes to achieve their first playoff win since 2000. Last season, the Dolphins ended with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs, partly due to Tagovailoa missing games because of a concussion.