Vikings coach Brian Flores takes the high road following Tua Tagovailoa’s sharp criticism

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Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores addressed the controversy surrounding his relationship with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the NFL player blasted his former coach, calling him a "terrible person." 

Speaking to the media a day after Tagovailoa’s remarks were aired on Monday, Flores raised the issue himself.

Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores with  quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at practice. (Susan Stocker/South Florida/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

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"Look, I’m happy, genuinely happy for the success Tua’s had. And I really wish him nothing but the best," Flores began, adding that he got into coaching more than two decades ago because of the impact good relationships with coaches had on him. 

"I think player relationships are very important to me. I think that’s the foundation of coaching… I wish nothing but the best to Tua. Really more than anything, I’m just focused on the Vikings, the 2024 Vikings, the players we have." 

In an interview that aired Monday on "The Dan LeBatard Show," Tagovailoa did not hide his contempt for Flores. 

Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on in the second half during a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

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"To put it in simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you you suck at what you did, that you don’t belong doing what you do, that you shouldn’t be here, that this guy should be