Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel: Tua Tagovailoa is Being Trained to Fall

In a recent interview during SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Training Camp Tour, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spoke about his team’s journey into year two and the excitement surrounding their offseason acquisition of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

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First Year Lessons

When discussing his tenure as head coach, Mike McDaniel reflected on his first year and the sense of fulfillment that comes with guiding a team. He shared how the experience has taught him about the immense responsibility of serving others and ensuring that every member of the organization can be the best version of themselves.

“Winning football games is hard… but the fulfillment of the responsibility, it’s a very cool seat to be in,” said McDaniel. “You think you know how that’s gonna go, but there are as many problems that come on your plate. You feel such an incredible fulfillment, serving others. I guess I didn’t really understand until I got onto the job, how much the job of being a head coach is service.”

Vic Fangio

As the discussion shifted to offseason acquisitions, McDaniel expressed his excitement about adding defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to the coaching staff. He emphasized how crucial it is to provide the best coaching possible to professional athletes and how Fangio’s experience and expertise could elevate the team’s performance.

“I’ve always been a swing-for-the-fences type of guy, and my mind really fixated on [Fangio],” said McDaniel. “I just knew there are so many players here that would gain so much for their dreams and careers… [and] he would make me a better coach as well. So, I’m through the moon with it, really excited about it.”

Tua Tagovailoa

When asked about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s progress from last season, McDaniel commended Tua’s dedication and hard work during the offseason. He spoke about Tua’s efforts to strengthen himself physically and mentally.

“He matched [his highs and lows] with what he’s really attacked this offseason… He’s a much stronger version of himself in several different ways, in his core, in his legs, arms, neck, everything,” said McDaniel. “He’s been knocked over more times probably than he’s ever been combined in football this offseason, to try to train how to fall. Those type of things have been tremendous as well as his ownership of the quarterback position at the NFL level.”

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