Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, acknowledged his growth as a coach and expressed support for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the Dolphins player criticized Flores’ coaching approach.

“I am genuinely pleased for Tua’s achievements and truly wish him all the best,” Flores stated during a press briefing on Tuesday.

These remarks followed Tagovailoa’s comments on “The Dan Le Batard Show,” where he contrasted the coaching methods of his former coach, Flores, with those of his current coach, Mike McDaniel. Flores had been at the helm of the Dolphins from 2019 until his dismissal in January 2022, despite ending the 2021 season with an impressive 8-1 record.

“Imagine if every morning you were told that you’re inadequate at your job, that you’re misplaced, and that someone else should take your place. Then someone else tells you, ‘You’re the perfect fit for this. You’re skilled and capable.’ How would you feel with those differing messages?” Tagovailoa remarked.

Flores reflected on the feedback he received and acknowledged that he made mistakes during his time with the Dolphins. He did not dispute Tagovailoa’s claims and recognized that part of being a good coach involves learning from one’s own shortcomings.

“There are definitely areas where I can improve, and I’ve worked on doing just that. I’ve applied the lessons I’ve learned over the past couple of years,” he shared.

“I’m only human. The feedback affected me negatively, but I’ve got to use that as motivation to ask myself, ‘How can I grow from this? How can I become better?'”

The defensive coordinator also expressed a willingness to discuss matters with Tagovailoa if the opportunity arises, though he emphasized his current focus is on the Vikings and the upcoming 2024 season.

“Right now, I’m working on moving forward and concentrating on my team,” he mentioned. “At some point, you have to turn the page, and that’s what I’m doing.”