Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is seen during warm-ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Mike McDaniel addresses Tua Tagovailoa’s controversial comments

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 8:17 PM ET

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered up a rather unconvincing response to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa publicly calling out teammates for a lack of professionalism.

McDaniel suggested that Tagovailoa’s comments about missed meetings were player-only meetings that did not fall under his purview. He suggested there was nothing wrong with Tagovailoa’s public comments, but essentially washed his hands of the situation.

“Player-led meetings are extra things outside of what I demand,” McDaniel said. “We’ve been very accountable to me. It sounds like there was something on his mind with regard to specific meetings with a couple of individuals that he was trying to get corrected by direct communication.

“Clearly, he’s sending a message. From my standpoint, everything I’ve asked of the guys, they have delivered on. So I’m sure whoever he’s talking to, they’ll deliver as well.”

Mike McDaniel on Tua's comments about teammates being late to player-led meetings:

"I'm sure whoever he's talking to, they'll deliver."

Remember the Dolphins jettisoned several highly paid, talented players – for things like lateness -to reset the culture#PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/Gr34FKa1Ej
— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) October 12, 2025

Mike McDaniel not in a good spot with Dolphins

McDaniel was responding to postgame comments made by Tagovailoa, who publicly called out some of his teammates for skipping player-only meetings. That caveat got McDaniel off the hook, but it does suggest that in Tagovailoa’s mind, some players are doing what is required of them and nothing more.

McDaniel is not willing to go that far, but doing so would reflect poorly on him. For someone who might be on the hot seat, he would not want to fuel the perception that he does not have the locker room behind him. That is even more true considering there were reports about the team having poor discipline last season.

The Dolphins lost again on Sunday to fall to 1-5. That loss, combined with Tagovailoa’s comments, pretty much ensures McDaniel has another long week ahead of him.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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