The Miami Dolphins signed Tua Tagovailoa to a big contract extension worth over $200 million this offseason, an investment that seemingly justifies the franchise's choice to pick Tagovailoa fifth overall in 2020. HIs career got off to a rocky start but once Mike McDaniel was hired as head coach, the quarterback's trajectory changed completely. Tagovailoa is now seen as one of the NFL's top young arms and the centerpiece of the league's most explosive offense.
Which would probably be shocking to hear from those who watched Tagovailoa struggle under McDaniel's predecessor, Brian Flores. Flores was hired as head coach of the Dolphins in 2019 and plauged Tagovailoa's development with inconsistent playing time and regular reports of internal strife. He was fired following the 2021 season, opening the door for McDaniel.
