Mike McDaniel stands firm on Tua Tagovailoa amid Dolphins locker room turmoil

Despite the Miami Dolphins’ rough 1–6 start and growing internal strain, head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear that his confidence in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has not wavered.

The coach reaffirmed his faith after back-to-back losses that saw Tagovailoa throw three interceptions in each game and get benched late in Sunday’s blowout defeat to the Cleveland Browns.

Through seven weeks, the quarterback leads the NFL with 10 interceptions and six fumbles. Still, McDaniel insists his belief in Tagovailoa remains unchanged.

“I think there’s zero uncertainty with Tua on my conviction in him and my belief in him,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “We’re both very, very eager to be better at our jobs.”

McDaniel maintains belief as Dolphins face internal tension

McDaniel said he and Tagovailoa held multiple meetings this week to address the quarterback’s struggles, focusing not only on mistakes but also on how he has responded to adversity in the past.

“You’re trying to instruct for future,” McDaniel explained, “but I think it’s also important that you remind him of how he’s responded in the past to give him conviction in the future.”

The coach emphasized his trust that Tagovailoa will bounce back, adding,

“I have confidence based on my history with him that he’ll respond in the appropriate manner.”

On Monday, McDaniel confirmed that Tagovailoa will remain the starter, while rookie Quinn Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson will compete for the backup spot.

“It starts with me. Can’t turn the ball over,” Tagovailoa said after Sunday’s game, taking accountability for his performance.

Tension within the Dolphins’ locker room has reportedly escalated after Tagovailoa criticized teammates for a lack of accountability, referencing players being late or skipping players-only meetings.

His remarks, intended as leadership, reportedly frustrated some veterans who preferred to handle such matters privately.

As the Dolphins prepare for a pivotal Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, McDaniel’s leadership and Tagovailoa’s response will define whether Miami can recover from its early-season collapse and rebuild unity before playoff hopes slip away.

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