Tua Tagovailoa Faces Rare Public Criticism from Mike McDaniel After Dolphins' Loss to Steelers
For nearly three seasons, Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa have been one of the NFL’s most tightly linked coach-quarterback duos. From the moment McDaniel took over in Miami, he’s been Tua’s biggest advocate - rebuilding the quarterback’s confidence, tailoring the offense to his strengths, and defending him at every turn when criticism came from outside the building.
But on Tuesday, that dynamic shifted in a way we haven’t seen before.
Following the Dolphins’ disappointing loss to the Steelers on Monday night, McDaniel made a rare public admission: Tagovailoa’s performance wasn’t good enough. And when asked whether a quarterback change was on the table, the head coach didn’t shut it down.
Instead, he left the door open, saying, *“everything is on the table.” *
That’s a significant statement - not just because of what it says about Tua’s play, but because of what it might signal about where this Dolphins team is headed.
A Tough Night in Pittsburgh
Let’s start with the numbers. Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
On paper, that’s not a disastrous stat line. But the Dolphins only managed 15 points, and Tua was sacked four times.
The offense never found its rhythm, and the Steelers’ defense dictated the pace for most of the game.
It wasn’t Tua’s worst performance under McDaniel, but it was far from his best - and in a game with playoff implications, Miami needed more from its quarterback.
Has McDaniel Reached a Breaking Point?
McDaniel’s postgame comments suggest frustration - not just with the result, but possibly with recurring issues in execution. If coaching points are being emphasized week after week and still not translating on the field, it’s understandable that the head coach might feel compelled to make a statement.
This wasn’t a heat-of-the-moment critique. It was a calculated response, and one that deviates from McDaniel’s usual approach.
Until now, he’s been unwavering in his support of Tagovailoa, even when the quarterback has struggled. That makes Tuesday’s comments all the more striking.
A Bigger Picture in Miami
There’s also a broader context to consider. The Dolphins have been one of the NFL’s most inconsistent contenders.
At their best, they look like a team that can hang with anyone. But at their worst, they’ve struggled to beat playoff-caliber opponents - a trend that’s become increasingly hard to ignore.
If the front office is evaluating the direction of the franchise, both McDaniel and Tagovailoa could be under the microscope. And while they’ve been a package deal up to this point, McDaniel’s comments may hint at a willingness to separate himself from his quarterback if it means a better shot at long-term job security.
That doesn’t mean a quarterback change is imminent. But it does mean the head coach is no longer shielding Tua from accountability - and that’s a notable development in a high-stakes stretch of the season.
What Comes Next?
The Dolphins are still very much in the playoff hunt, but their margin for error is shrinking. If McDaniel is seriously considering a change under center, it would be a bold move - one that could either spark the team or fracture a locker room that’s grown accustomed to Tua as the leader of the offense.
For now, McDaniel’s message is clear: status quo isn’t good enough. Whether that message was meant for Tagovailoa, the locker room, or the front office, it signals a shift in tone from a head coach who’s always played the role of supporter. Now, he’s asking for more - and what happens next could shape the future of the Dolphins’ franchise.