Golf outing hits close to home for Flores
AVENTURA — After a whirlwind week that featured him winning Super Bowl LIII and being named the Miami Dolphins coach, Brian Flores is trying to hit the ground running with his new job.
While finalizing his coaching staff and getting to know his new players are among his top priorities, attending Friday’s fourth annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge Celebrity Golf Tournament at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort was important for another reason close to home.
The event, which raises money for the University of Miami’s Health System and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, raises awareness of people like Flores’ mother, Maria, who is battling breast cancer.
“This is an incredible event,” Flores said addressing the contingent of Dolphins representatives and participants for the event. “I’m not sure how many of you guys know this, but my mom is battling cancer as we speak.
“While it feels like I have a million things to do, I absolutely had to find time to spend with you to show my support for the Sylvester Center and everything you’re doing to fight cancer.”
Flores, who was hired Monday to his new position, spoke briefly before Friday’s event as the main attraction.
Flores, the 15-year Patriots scout and assistant coach, led New England’s defense in a 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Super Bowl, winning his fourth Super Bowl as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick.
Now Flores is tasked with leading the Dolphins through a rebuilding phase under the leadership of general manager Chris Grier — with the hope of finding a franchise quarterback to build around and achieve sustainable success.
“I think he’s going to bring that winning mentality,” said Dolphins defensive tackle Vincent Taylor, who is medically cleared to return from a toe injury suffered last season.
“I’m sure everybody has seen the Super Bowl. The Rams being a high-scoring offense, and you’ve seen what [Flores’] and Bill Belichick’s defense did to slow those guys down.
“It was a great hire by Chris, and we’re ready to start working.”
Former Dolphins standout Mark Duper said Flores will have his work cut out for him but is confident he will be able to propel the Dolphins toward winning ways.
“He’s going to do things his way, not the Patriot way,” Duper said.
Flores is well aware of the challenge too, but his tenure has gotten off to an ideal start.
“I absolutely love this first week down here and the people,” Flores said. “I think we are working and going to do everything possible to bring a winning tradition and winning football to Miami.”