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Falcons Coach Sees Opportunity in Tua's Adversity After Dolphins Release
New Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski believes Tua Tagovailoa can bounce back with a 'chip on his shoulder' after being cut by the Dolphins.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:51pm
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A new start in Atlanta could provide the perfect opportunity for Tua Tagovailoa to prove his doubters wrong after being cut by the Dolphins.Today in MiamiAfter being released by the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski believes Tua's experience of being 'fired' will motivate him to prove doubters wrong and respond well to adversity, similar to how he bounced back from injuries during his college career at Alabama.
Why it matters
Tua's career trajectory has been closely watched since he was drafted by the Dolphins in 2020. After an up-and-down tenure in Miami, his release creates uncertainty about his NFL future. However, the Falcons see an opportunity for Tua to revive his career and thrive in a new environment.
The details
Stefanski noted that being 'fired' can give a player a 'chip on their shoulder' and the desire to prove doubters wrong. He pointed to Tua's resilience in overcoming injuries at Alabama as evidence that the quarterback has the mental toughness to bounce back from adversity. The Falcons are hoping Tua can regain his confidence and form in their system.
- Tua Tagovailoa was released by the Miami Dolphins on March 15, 2026.
- Tua signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 25, 2026.
The players
Tua Tagovailoa
A quarterback who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2020 but was recently released by the team after an up-and-down tenure.
Kevin Stefanski
The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who believes Tua Tagovailoa can thrive in a new environment and respond well to the adversity of being released by the Dolphins.
What they’re saying
“There's something to be said when you're fired. I can attest to that. You want to prove people wrong. You have a chip on your shoulder.”
— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
“I think where I'm coming into this, where Tua's coming into this is, listen, this is not exactly how you thought it would go, but guess what, that's the reality, and how are we gonna respond? I think that's what he's made of.”
— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
What’s next
The Falcons will be closely monitoring Tua's performance and attitude during the offseason program and training camp to see if he can regain his confidence and form. If Tua impresses, he could earn the starting job over incumbent quarterback Desmond Ridder.
The takeaway
Tua Tagovailoa's release from the Dolphins represents a major setback in his NFL career, but the Falcons see an opportunity for him to revive his fortunes in a new environment. Stefanski's belief that Tua can use the adversity as motivation to prove doubters wrong could pay dividends if the quarterback is able to recapture his college success.
