Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Deshaun Watson's interest in Dolphins strongly linked to Brian Flores

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/10/22

Things had been quiet on the Deshaun Watson front, but the end of the regular season has brought renewed chatter. With the slew of head coach firings that took place on Monday, many are wondering if the embattled Houston Texans quarterback has changed his mind about where he would like to play next.

The Miami Dolphins were originally one of Watson's top picks with regard to being traded from the Texans after Houston held him out for the entire 2021 due to his serious legal issues . But as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport pointed out, Watson's interest in Miami may have changed since the team unexpectedly fired head coach Brian Flores on Monday.

#Dolphins coach Brian Flores was a signfiicant reason why Deshaun Watson wanted to be in Miami. WIth Flores out, this situation may have changed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2022

According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, Flores' firing had a lot to do with his unraveling relationship with members of the Dolphins, including quarterback Tua Tagolvailoa.

The decision to fire Flores can be summed up with one word: Relationships. His relationship with Grier and Tua had deteriorated to a pretty bad place. Along with constant staff changes, owner Steve Ross no longer saw Flores as a healthy fit in Miami. https://t.co/9oRmk66hm9
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 10, 2022

Interestingly enough, Flores regularly showed public support for Tagovailoa amid swirling rumors the 23-year-old signal-caller could lose the starting job should the Dolphins acquire Watson.

With Flores now out the door, it seems less likely Watson will be gunning for that job at all.

Watson is still facing 10 criminal complaints filed against him in addition to 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. Even if the Dolphins are still interested in acquiring him, they will likely want more clarity on where things stand regarding those serious charges.

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