Mike McDaniel discusses relationship with Tua Tagovailoa, plans to build offense around him

The Miami Dolphins have a new coach and it’s clear Mike McDaniel — a proven quarterback guru at every stop during his NFL coaching career — appears to be taking an “all-in” approach on helping cement Tua Tagovaila as the franchise quarterback.

In an interview with Peter Schrager on Good Morning Football, the former San Francisco 49ers assistant opened up about building a relationship with the former Alabama Crimson Tide star, who has faced criticism and scrutiny after two inconsistent NFL seasons.

“Yesterday you praised Tua and when you interviewed for this job I’m sure Tua was a major part of the discussions.,” Schrager asked McDaniel. “Where are we at with Tua as the future of the Miami Dolphins?”

The first-year NFL front man gave an insightful response while pulling the curtain back to reveal the initial strategy, which includes the top three offensive coaches as they begin to develop trust and instill confidence in their new QB.

“At a great spot actually, just brief interactions and getting to know each other, you can tell it’s empowering to the player that there are people who believe in him,” the Miami Dolphins coach responded. “Myself, Frank Smith the offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell the quarterback coach, we have all been in communication to build that relationship and trust. It’s a very important year in his career and a very important year for us coaches and we have to depend on each other and rely on each other.”

The Miami Dolphins made an impressive run to close out the season and barely missed the playoffs — and for the first time — many onlookers saw a glimpse of what Tagovailoa could become.

Still, McDaniel believes the former Tide star has just scratched the surface and explained how he can make the leap to the next level.

“I’m really excited because the guy has some skills that are untappedand I think it’s important you empower the quarterback with the rest of the players around him and the scheme you bring forth. I think his best days are in front of him and that’s a really cool piece of the part of being the head coach.”

Can McDaniel help Tua carry the Miami Dolphins?

While there has been speculation about the myriad of factors that has seemingly stunted the young Miami signal caller’s development since the Dolphins selected him No. 5 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, there are plenty of facts that have emerged that would make it difficult for any young quarterback to thrive.

In October, roughly five months ago while the season was in full swing, credible reports from a FOX NFL Insider surfaced stating the Dolphins were engaged in legitimate talks with Houston to acquire Deshaun Watson.

Earlier this week, Dolphins’ GM Chris Grier made it known the Miami Dolphins have closed the door on a Deshaun Watson trade, yet another signal that all parties involved are focused on Tua Tagovailoa as the long-term answer.

While nothing is promised, McDaniel’s track record for developing quarterbacks is impeccable at every stop he’s been. As Schrager noted during Thursday’s interview, Robert Griffin III, Matt Ryan and Jimmy Garrapolo all had their best statistical seasons to date under the mentorship of the young offensive guru. All three have vastly different skillsets and were at different levels of their career under McDaniel, yet thrived.

That alone, should have Miami Dolphins fans salivating with hope.