South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Senior Bowled over
Flores, Dolphins come out of game with win
As the Senior Bowl came to an end Saturday, Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores kept his head on a swivel.
The National team, which the Dolphins coaching staff led all week, secured a 27-24 victory, and a few offensive linemen on the team wanted to congratulate Flores with a celebratory Gatorade bath following the game.
As the game clock winded to zero, all Flores could do was put his arm up in the air to try and block the celebration.
Luckily for him, the cooler lifted over his head was filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for the game’s sponsor instead of a cold fluid.
“It was very different. I was expecting something cold, but it was completely opposite,” Flores said after the game. “It’s a first time for everything.”
Flores and the Dolphins used the Senior Bowl to to coach, meet and interact with many players — such as Alabama receiver Devonta Smith and running back Najee Harris — more than about 30 other NFL teams this week.
While other teams were limited to 10 personnel members, the Dolphins were able to send 65 people from the organization to Mobile, Ala.
The Dolphins’ Senior Bowl work will aid preparation for the 2021 NFL draft in April, where Miami owns the No. 3 overall pick among four in the Top 50.
“It was great. We had a really good week with these young players,” Flores said. “They worked hard. A lot of them made some good impressions. We got to spend the most time with them.”
Now, the Dolphins can turn their focus back to their offseason, where assistant coach hirings and rampant quarterback rumors continue to take center stage.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans star who has requested a trade despite the organization’s hopes to keep him, continues to be the talk of the offseason.
The Dolphins and New York Jets are among the teams who could offer the Texans a significant trade package for Watson, one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, while many other teams will likely be in the
mix if Houston is unable to keep him.
The Dolphins have said Tua Tagovailoa, their No. 5 pick from a year ago, will continue to be their starting quarterback after the season. But that was before Watson’s trade demands became public.
While the trade rumors will likely continue until the draft, the Dolphins are still in the need for a new offensive coordinator.
Running backs coach and run-game coordinator Eric Studesville and tight ends coach George Godsey — who both interviewed for the job — split play-calling duties during the game Saturday.
“So, Eric called half the game and George called half the game. I thought both guys did a nice job and look, I’m confident in all the guys in our staff. They do a great job,” Flores said.
“Again, as I said the other day, we’re still working through the coordinator situation.”
It’s unclear whether the Dolphins will still interview any other candidates or promote both to some sort of co-offensive coordinator role with the team.
Perhaps more important for Flores as Senior Bowl week came to an end, laying off the sweets.
“When you’re at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, by the end of the week, you’ve probably had enough,” Flores said lightheartedly.
“There’s bags in your room. there’s Reese’s pieces on your door handle. It’s everywhere. I feel like I’ve had enough. It’s been a long week. A lot of meetings, a lot of walk-throughs and practice, meetings with players.
“I’ve probably gained a few pounds, and I’m trying to head in the right direction starting today,” Flores added.