McDaniel speaks about Tua Tagovailoa’s new contract, its impact on him and the team, more
Just before Sunday’s practice and a couple of days after the news broke on Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s four-year contract extension, coach Mike McDaniel spoke at length about Tagovailoa’s new deal, its impact on him, the team and expectations for the future.
McDaniel commented on whether he thought Tagovailoa’s deal was “team friendly,” saying it was the hope for the organization and that he was fired up for Tagovailoa. McDaniel called it a “cool validation for sure” and heaped praise on quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell and the work he has done with Tagovailoa in helping his development.
McDaniel said he’s happy the deal was made and it’s time to move forward.
“It’s a handshake and a smile, but it’s not a celebration. It’s time to move forward.”
McDaniel said he was so happy when he heard the news of the deal being done he hugged and lifted Tagovailoa causing him to spill his coffee.
“It was a cool moment to say the least. I’m of unassuming stature but when I get enough adrenaline I can get enough strength where I can surprise some people. My hug surprised him enough where he spilled his coffee.
“That moment wasn’t planned but it’s definitely something you remember. It’s hard not to have a lot of time pass through your mind fast. It was something cool to share. He was coordinated enough not to spill it on me. I basically suplexed him.”
McDaniel also spoke of Tagovailoa and whether he could handle the expectations that come with such a contract.
“It’s absolutely the nature of what you should expect. Tua knows that. His teammates can know that and they already have pressure and expectations for themselves. As long as you acknowledge that, and Tua has shown me throughout the offseason that he knows what time it is. Hopefully, he and all of his teammates can determine what the narrative is built upon by the way they play.”
McDaniel said he felt outstanding about his career evaluation being tied to Tagovailoa’s potential success. He said he will always be evaluated by the success of the team.
“It’s not something you run from. You embrace it…There’s plenty of people who could be a coach of the team and lose a ton of games. You have to be successful and I know that the very first day I got the job. Whatever comes with the narrative, it doesn’t bother me.”
McDaniel also spoke of Tagovailoa’s personal journey overcoming adversity early in his career.
“One of the absolute main reasons you get into coaching. You hope you can help people realize their best selves. For him to be in this part of the journey with the growth that’s why you do what you do…It’s really cool for this organization and for Tua, for a man that’s put in a lot of hours and made a lot of investment…It’s a cool moment that we had a couple of high-fives and then moving on to today’s practice.”
McDaniel said he had not heard Tagovailoa thanked him by name on social media after his deal was done.
“It’s humbling, but hard for me to accept that fully without babbling about all the people that are instrumental in his process like Coach Darrell Bevell, who’s been instrumental in his process.”
THIS AND THAT
▪ McDaniel said having the fans in attendance for the first time in this year’s training camp at Sunday’s practice would bring more energy.
“It’s always after a long break and always a fun thing that gives you some juice. I’m really excited for that and the team knows they’re coming and we should get some extra juice on top of what we had in every practice.”
▪ McDaniel commented on linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. getting more reps in camp with David Long out and being trusted to wear the orange jersey in practice.
Long was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Sunday.
“I love this guy. He won his teammates over by how he goes about his business in the offseason…He has been able to execute fundamentals and help the group in a lot of situations. You hear it from the coach and one time from a teammate. He’s been able to elevate his game while bringing others along with him. He’s had his hands on multiple passes. I think you’ll see the interceptions start coming.”
▪ McDaniel updated Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb’s rehab process and said they’ve had no setbacks as each tries to work his way back from injuries. McDaniel said the concern was them trying to come back too soon, but said they are a fixture around practice as they conduct their rehab work.
▪ McDaniel also praised center Aaron Brewer’s work in practice so far saying he could be a weapon in the running game this season.
This story was originally published July 28, 2024 at 10:36 AM.
