NFC head coach reveals which of Malik Willis' traits surprised him
The Miami Dolphins signed Malik Willis to be their starting quarterback, and Matt LaFleur, his former head coach, evaluated the quarterback's play.
Earlier this offseason, the Miami Dolphins , under the new leadership of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, decided to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and to bring in Malik Willis to take his spot as the team's starting quarterback. Willis, 26, originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick (No. 86 overall) out of Liberty in the 2022 NFL draft.
He spent his first two years with the Tennessee Titans before the Green Bay Packers traded for his services in 2024. Over the last two years, Willis has worked closely with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur while serving as a backup and filling in for Jordan Love for a few games. Earlier this week, LaFleur shared his thoughts on his former quarterback, who is set to have his first opportunity to be a team's starting quarterback to start a season.
"It's just hard to find a guy that athletic at that position," LaFleur said ( transcribed by the Palm Beach Post ). "And we all saw what he could do with his legs. But I think Malik did a great job coming in.
He was receptive to the coaching. And I think he showed a lot of growth in the passing game, just like I was just talking about, and refining the mechanics. But I think, obviously, a really talented thrower.