A day after Tua Tagovailoa described Brian Flores as a “terrible person” whose constant criticisms tore the quarterback’s confidence, the former Miami Dolphins head coach responded to the comments Tuesday.
“I’m genuinely happy for the success that Tua’s had, I really wish him nothing but the best,” said Flores, who now serves as defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. “I think player relationships are very important to me. I think that’s kind of the foundation of coaching. I got into coaching because I was impacted as a young guy by my high school coaches, my college coaches, going all the way to Pop Warner. I got into coaching because I want to make that same kind of impact: a positive impact.
“[I want to] pour into young people. Help them become — as [Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell] always says — the best versions of themselves. And that’s really my goal always in coaching. So I wish nothing but the best to Tua. Really, more than anything, I’m focused on the Vikings.”
While Flores didn’t get into specifics of the relationship, the coach later seemed to accept some responsibility for the issues with Tagovailoa, even if he didn’t confirm or deny the quarterback’s retelling.
Brian Flores on Tua calling him a “terrible person”:
“Look I’m human. That hit me in a way that I wouldn’t say was positive. I’ve got to use that and say how can I grow from that? How can I be better?” #Vikings @FOX9 https://t.co/RCmZS77Fgy pic.twitter.com/hTSRvuOoFw
— Jeff Wald (@JeffWaldFox9) August 20, 2024
“Look, I’m human. That hit me in a way that would say was positive for me,” Flores said. “But at the same time, I’ve got to use that and say ‘Hey, how can I grow from that? How can I be better?’ That’s really where I’m at, from that standpoint. Do I feel like that’s me? No. But how can I grow from that and create a situation where nobody says that about Brian Flores?
“I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the situation. Reflecting on the situation, the communication, and I think there’s things I can do better, for sure. And I’ve grown in that way. I’ve tried to apply the things that I could do better and the things that I’ve learned over the last two, three years.”
Still, Flores maintained that he’s not a coach who butts heads with others often.
“I’d say over the long-haul, I’ve had a lot of great relationships over my 21 years here in the league. Players, coaches, personnel, equipment, people in the kitchen, really across the board, I’ve had a lot of great relationships. I’m going to continue to do that. But I’m also always looking to get better and evolve.”
Flores, 43, spent three seasons as the Dolphins’ head coach, leading them to a 24-25 record during his tenure. After he was fired in January 2022, Flores spent a year as senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was hired by the Vikings in 2023.
