Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has made his stance clear on the growing calls for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to consider retirement after suffering his third documented concussion in the NFL. The incident occurred during the Dolphins’ recent game against the Buffalo Bills, when Tagovailoa took a hard hit in the third quarter, slamming his head onto the turf. The quarterback appeared to display an immediate fencing response—a neurological reaction associated with head trauma—before the broadcast cut away from the unsettling scene.
The incident sparked an outcry from fans, medical experts, and even former NFL players, many of whom have voiced concern for Tagovailoa’s long-term health and suggested he step away from the game.
However, McDaniel, now in his third year as head coach of the Dolphins, has taken a different approach when addressing Tagovailoa’s future. When asked about the possibility of the quarterback retiring, McDaniel made it clear that he doesn’t believe it’s his place to weigh in on such a personal decision.
“I think it would be so wrong of me to even sniff that subject,” McDaniel said when questioned about the prospect of Tagovailoa walking away from football. “It’s more in line with actually caring about the human being. You’re talking about his career, and his career is his to decide.”
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McDaniel acknowledged that many people are understandably concerned about Tagovailoa’s well-being, but he emphasized the importance of letting the player make his own decisions. “I totally get that’s where people want to go,” McDaniel continued. “I just wish, for a second, people would hear what I’m saying—that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him. I’m going to plead with everybody that genuinely cares: that should be the last thing on your mind.”
The 41-year-old coach expressed how talking publicly about Tagovailoa’s potential retirement could have an adverse effect on the quarterback. “If I were to answer that question and he read it, whether he agreed or disagreed, it would make him worse. I don’t think it’s appropriate because of my care and regard. When it comes to someone’s career, it’s only fair that the decision should be theirs.”
Despite McDaniel’s reluctance to speculate on Tagovailoa’s long-term future, he did offer clarity on the team’s immediate plans. With Tagovailoa sidelined indefinitely, the Dolphins will turn to backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. McDaniel also revealed that the team is exploring additional options to bolster their quarterback depth. The Dolphins have Tim Boyle on their practice squad, but other names, including former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is currently a free agent, could also be considered as possible additions.
“The best thing I can do is not assess what this means from a football standpoint,” McDaniel added. “Timelines give anxiety.”
Tagovailoa’s latest injury occurred after a collision with Bills safety Damar Hamlin during a scramble in the open field. Instead of sliding, the quarterback led with his head and took a hard fall, his helmet striking the Hard Rock Stadium turf. As he was helped off the field, McDaniel showed his personal connection to his players by planting a kiss on Tagovailoa’s head, a moment that captured their close relationship.
The head coach opened up about the emotional exchange, explaining what he said to his quarterback. “He’s the starting QB of his family,” McDaniel revealed. “I told him, ‘Go in the locker room, take a deep breath, and I’ll see you soon.'”
McDaniel further emphasized the importance of family and health in the conversation. “All I’m telling Tua is, everyone is counting on you to be a dad this weekend,” he said, reinforcing the message that there are priorities beyond the football field.
This marks the third known concussion for Tagovailoa since entering the NFL, following a string of head injuries that derailed his 2022 season. The quarterback’s troubles began in Week 3 of that season when he took a violent hit and returned to the game despite showing signs of a concussion.
A week later, he suffered another devastating blow, exhibiting clear concussion symptoms and being stretchered off the field. His season ended in Week 16 with yet another concussion, an event that led to widespread changes in the NFL’s concussion protocols.
As concerns over Tagovailoa’s health continue to mount, McDaniel’s focus remains on supporting his player as both an athlete and a human being.
While the future of Tagovailoa’s career remains uncertain, McDaniel is determined to ensure that the decision, whenever it comes, will be Tagovailoa’s alone.
