Report: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Got Contract Help From HC Mike McDaniel

Recently, Tua Tagovailoa spoke at a press conference following the announcement of his contract extension. During this press conference, Tua discussed the role his head coach, Mike McDaniel, had when it came to getting him his new contract. Tua was told by several people that Mike McDaniel was a big reason why he was awarded his contract extension now rather than next season. It is safe to say that Tua appreciated this:

“I’m very grateful for that.” -Tua Tagovailoa

Brian Flores vs. Mike McDaniel

During Tagovailoa’s four-year tenure with the Dolphins, he has had two different head coaches. Brian Flores was his head coach for the first two years of his career, while McDaniel has been his head coach for the last two years. Looking at Tua’s performance each year, it is safe to say he heavily benefited from the change in head coach.

For starters, Tua played his first full season last year. It was also the first he had over 4,000 passing yards. Plus, Tua threw at least 25 touchdown passes each year McDaniel was his head coach.

As for Flores, let’s just say that Tua’s performance suffered. He had just 27 total touchdown passes in his first two years. For comparison, that is what he averaged in each year under McDaniel.

If that was not enough, Tua failed to throw over 3,000 passing yards in each of his seasons under Flores. With McDaniel, he never threw fewer than 3,500 passing yards in a season.

Miami Dolphins Moving Forward

Now, it is fair to believe that Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel have never been closer. They are going to have to build off of that chemistry in the 2024 season. Last year, the Dolphins had a disappointing exit in the wild card round of the playoffs. This year, McDaniel is emphasizing the team’s 24-year playoff win drought, hoping to end that drought this season.