The Miami Dolphins are set to enter their second season with former Alabama star quarterback and No. 5 overall selection Tua Tagovailoa. Though many doubt his abilities after seeing him start for most of the season, he will head into the 2021 offseason as the starting quarterback for the franchise.
In his rookie season, Tagovailoa posted decent numbers, given his situation, but not enough for NFL fans to praise him in comparison to other quarterbacks from the 2020 draft class.
In 20 appearances, he tallied 1,814 yards on 64% completion, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Dolphins parted ways with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, whom many fans blamed for the lack of explosiveness in Tagovailoa’s game. They still have not hired a replacement.
However, Miami hired a coach out of the collegiate level, Charlie Frye, who most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Central Michigan.
While this may appear to be a bit of a unique hire, outside of Frye’s experience as a quarterback and an offensive coach, but there’s a specific reason the Dolphins brought him in.
Frye and Tagovailoa have worked together in the past.
Their paths crossed in 2016, as Tagovailoa participated in the Elite 11 quarterback competition.
Reunited and it feels so good!
Dolphins set to hire Charlie Frye as quarterback coach. Frye (pictured right) worked with Tua Tagovailoa for eight days at #Elite11 & The Opening Finals in summer of 2016 pic.twitter.com/8Cf5jBa6Vv
— Elite11 (@Elite11) January 23, 2021
While there are rumors surrounding Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins, as Deshaun Watson’s name continues to float near the South Florida franchise regarding a trade, this move by the Miami front office makes it seem like they are that much more committed to Tagovailoa’s success with the team.