In an exclusive interview, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores has opened up about his time with the franchise, reflecting on the obstacles he faced, his approach to player development, and what he believes the future holds for the Dolphins program. Speaking candidly for the first time since his departure in 2022, Flores shed light on his leadership philosophy, the challenges of working within the Dolphins organization, and his hopes for the team moving forward.
Flores, who was fired by the Dolphins despite leading the team to a respectable 9-8 record in 2021, shared that his tenure was marked by constant tension and challenges, particularly in managing the delicate balance between developing young talent and satisfying the demands of an impatient fanbase and ownership. He emphasized that one of the biggest hurdles was building a competitive team while working with limited resources, a theme that he feels was largely overlooked by those who criticized his tenure.
“People didn’t see the day-to-day grind, the struggles we had behind the scenes,” Flores said. “We were in the midst of a rebuild, and I felt like we made tremendous progress in developing young talent. But rebuilding is tough, and it’s not something that can be done in one or two seasons. There’s a lot of pressure in the NFL, especially when you’re in a market like Miami, where expectations are high.”
One of the key aspects of Flores’ tenure was his focus on player development. Despite facing roster turnover and navigating difficult circumstances, Flores maintained a firm belief in the importance of nurturing young talent. His work with players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, defensive standout Xavien Howard, and running back Myles Gaskin demonstrated his commitment to shaping a team that could succeed in the long term.
“I always believed that if we developed our players the right way, they would be the foundation for something special,” Flores said. “With Tua, we had some ups and downs, but he showed a lot of potential. He’s a talented young quarterback who can thrive with the right support around him. It’s unfortunate that the external noise often overshadowed his growth as a player. It’s a tough position to be in when you’re constantly being compared to others.”
Flores also shared his insights on the team’s defensive philosophy, which was one of his hallmarks during his time in Miami. Under his leadership, the Dolphins had one of the most aggressive and opportunistic defenses in the league, with a strong emphasis on creating turnovers and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Despite challenges on the offensive side of the ball, the defense consistently kept the Dolphins competitive in many games.
“Defense was always going to be our backbone,” Flores explained. “We needed to be aggressive and opportunistic, and I think we were successful in doing that. But the team as a whole needed balance, and that was something we were still working toward. It takes time to build a program from the ground up, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and inconsistencies at key positions.”
Reflecting on his departure from Miami, Flores did not shy away from addressing the circumstances surrounding his firing. While many fans and analysts believed he was unfairly let go given his progress with the team, Flores remained diplomatic about the situation, acknowledging that in the NFL, results are often what matter most.
“I understand the nature of the business,” Flores said. “You have to win games, and sometimes that’s not enough. But I’m proud of what we accomplished during my time there. We built something solid, and I hope the Dolphins continue to build on that foundation.”
Looking ahead, Flores expressed optimism for the future of the Dolphins, especially with the team’s new leadership under head coach Mike McDaniel. He believes McDaniel’s offensive expertise and innovative approach could unlock the full potential of the roster, particularly with a talented young quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa at the helm.
“The Dolphins have a lot of potential,” Flores said. “Mike is a great coach, and I think he’s going to do some special things with that offense. I believe in Tua and the talent around him, and if they can stay healthy, they have a chance to be competitive in the AFC East.”
As for Flores, who is now focused on his future coaching endeavors, he remains hopeful about the opportunities ahead. Though his time in Miami was filled with challenges, Flores remains resolute in his belief that his experiences there have prepared him for whatever comes next.
“The journey has been a learning process, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I had in Miami,” Flores said. “I’m excited for the future, and whatever comes next, I’ll be ready.”
As he moves forward in his career, Flores’ insights and reflections on his time with the Dolphins serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with coaching in the NFL, particularly when building a team for the future. While the Dolphins continue their journey under new leadership, Flores’ influence remains a significant part of the team’s evolution.
