After Tua Tagovailoa Calls Him ‘A Terrible Person,’ Ex-Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores Reacts

Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, addressed recent criticism from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa labeled Flores a “terrible person” in a recent interview, criticizing the former Dolphins head coach’s style during their time together.

Flores, Miami’s head coach during Tagovailoa’s first two seasons, responded with empathy. “I’m genuinely happy for the success that Tua has had,” Flores said. “I really wish him nothing but the best.”

Tagovailoa’s comments aired on The Dan Le Batard Show, where he contrasted Flores’ coaching style with current Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa described Flores’ approach as demeaning. “If you woke up every morning and I told you [that] you suck at what you did,” he said. “How would it make you feel?”

Flores admitted that hearing the remarks was painful. “I think part of coaching is correcting,“ Flores said. “I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the situation and communication. There are things that I could do better for sure, and I’ve tried to apply the things I’ve learned over the last two or three years.”

Flores was fired from the Dolphins in January 2022 amid speculation about his relationship with Tagovailoa

Flores noted he wanted to reach out to Tagovailoa in the future. “I got into coaching to make a positive impact,“ Flores said. “My goal is always to help players become the best versions of themselves.“