By exercising his fifth-year option, the Miami Dolphins committed to Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for at least this upcoming season. After doing more research, head coach Mike McDaniel thinks the Dolphins made the right decision when it came to Tagovailoa.

McDaniel had his first opportunity to work with Tagovailoa this past season. The Dolphins' head coach went back and watched the tape on his quarterback. Following the film session, McDaniel knew Miami had a winner in Tagovailoa, via The Volume.

“As I progress through the tape, I started to notice this trend. I know from this night of study, this is the best quarterback four our offense. We are sitting on a gold mine. The whole organization saw it and we moved in the direction that we're powering Tua.”

Article Continues Below
More Miami Dolphins News
NFC cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams (5) reacts against the AFC during the Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Panthers urged to outbid Rams for Jalen Ramsey tradeBen Strauss ·
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel’s blunt Jalen Ramsey trade take after key deadline passesOwen Crisafulli ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) reacts after a touchdown reception during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh renews Jonnu Smith trade talks with DolphinsBenedetto Vitale ·
dolphins, miami dolphins
3 Miami Dolphins hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowGarrett Kerman ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) fights for yards during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Dolphins star Jonnu Smith’s agent reveals ‘first choice’ amid trade rumorsMiguel La Torre ·
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signals from the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
NFL rumors: Bills, 49ers among contenders that should seek Tyreek Hill tradeJaren Kawada ·

After watching the special tape on Tagovailoa, McDaniel said he called general manager Chris Grier at midnight to set up a staff meeting at 8 a.m. Once the entire safe saw the tape McDaniel saw, everyone was on board with Tagovailoa. To McDaniel, he was convinced he was the right quarterback for Miami.

McDaniel specifically noted Tagovailoa's ability to make high-risk throws with confidence. Furthermore, once Tagovailoa realized he had the support of the entire coaching staff, McDaniel said the quarterback had a much stronger poised on the field.

Tua Tagovailoa is coming off of the first Pro Bowl nomination of his career. He threw for career-highs in yards (3,548) and touchdowns (25). Following his success last year, Mike McDaniel thinks Tagovailoa is the right QB to lead the Dolphins back to the postseason.