Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick recently shared his thoughts on his former coach, Brian Flores, during an episode of his podcast, “Fitz & Whit.” Fitzpatrick, who spent two seasons under Flores with the Miami Dolphins, described the coach as a friend but was critical of the way Flores evolved during his time with the team, especially toward the end of his tenure.
Fitzpatrick initially praised Flores, highlighting his ability to connect with players and bring out their best performances. “He was likable. He was relatable. He demanded a lot out of the players, but he was also able to get the best version of his players,” Fitzpatrick explained. He admired Flores for his leadership qualities and for fostering strong relationships within the organization. However, Fitzpatrick noted that as time went on, Flores’s approach shifted dramatically. “As his tenure went on in Miami, he kind of became unrecognizable.”
Fitzpatrick elaborated on this transformation, suggesting that Flores moved away from collaboration and humility. “Instead of having the humility to ask questions, to collaborate, I think by the end of his time there, he became a dictator,” Fitzpatrick said. He pointed out that while Flores maintained positive relationships with the team’s staff, his leadership style grew rigid, adopting a “my way or the highway” approach in meetings. This shift, according to Fitzpatrick, may have contributed to his struggles as head coach toward the end.
Flores’s journey in the NFL began with the New England Patriots, where he worked his way up from an assistant role in 2008 to becoming the de facto defensive coordinator by 2018. His success in New England led to his hiring as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2019. During his three seasons with the Dolphins, Flores compiled a 24-25 record. Despite leading the team to back-to-back winning seasons, his tenure ended abruptly and controversially when the Dolphins fired him after the 2021 season.
The aftermath of Flores’s firing took a dramatic turn when he filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging discrimination in its hiring practices and leveling accusations against the Dolphins organization. The claims made in his lawsuit had significant ripple effects throughout the league, ultimately leading to Miami being penalized for tampering violations.
In the years since his departure from Miami, Flores has worked to rebuild his reputation as a coach. After a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he joined the Minnesota Vikings as their defensive coordinator. His success in Minnesota has once again made him a candidate for head coaching opportunities, with teams reportedly considering giving him another chance in the upcoming hiring cycle.
Despite his criticisms, Fitzpatrick did not discourage teams from pursuing Flores but emphasized the importance of understanding what kind of coach they would be hiring. “I think in the interviews he’ll be likable, he’ll be relatable,” Fitzpatrick said. “But when people say, ‘OK, give me somebody from Miami that coached under you as a reference so we can talk to them,’ I think he burned a lot of bridges there. I think he alienated himself from the entire staff.”
Fitzpatrick’s remarks reflect the complexities of Flores’s coaching career. While Flores demonstrated strong leadership and coaching abilities, the changes in his approach during his time in Miami raised concerns about his long-term effectiveness as a head coach. Now, as Flores potentially prepares for another shot at a head coaching role, NFL teams will have to weigh his past successes and challenges to determine whether he is the right fit for their organizations.
