Brian Flores’ Departure? 7 Vikings Defensive Coordinator Candidates

New York Jets Head Coach, Robert Saleh shares a hug with Los Angeles Head Coach, Brandon Staley after the game, Monday, November 6, 2023.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is a hot name in this year’s NFL coaching cycle, getting some interest for a head coaching gig for the first time since the Miami Dolphins pulled the plug following the 2021 season.

Brian Flores’ Departure? 7 Vikings Defensive Coordinator Candidates

Flores has supervised Minnesota’s defense for two seasons and has completely turned around the struggling unit by implementing his aggressive style. Often touted as a tough leader of men, Flores brings some baggage but also experience in the top coaching role, and he could bolt to the Bears, Jets, or Jaguars.

If he does, head coach Kevin O’Connell needs to find a new defensive captain. Here are some candidates.

Don “Wink” Martindale

Wink Martindale has been a football coach since 1986, starting in college and making the step into the NFL in 2004. He was the defensive coordinator for the Broncos in 2010, the Ravens from 2018 to 2021, and the Giants between 2022 and 2023.

Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale talks to players after a play against USC during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Currently, he is serving as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Why is he interesting for the Vikings? Well, outside of Flores, nobody can match his blitz rates.

It would be quite funny to revive his quote from the 2022 season when his Giants met the Vikings, and he said about his matchup with O’Connell, “I’m the blue-collar guy going against Harry Styles.”

Martindale has interviewed for Atlanta’s once-vacant DC job, so he might eye a return to the NFL.

Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo was just let go after one year as New England’s head coach. Bill Belichick hand-picked him as his successor, but the ownership had different plans just one year later.

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mayo was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2008 draft. Guess who was also part of that class? Exactly, Minnesota’s current head coach.

Mayo served as New England’s linebackers coach for five seasons prior to his promotion. His connection with O’Connell is enough reason to put him on the list, and the fact that Belichick thought he had the leadership skills to be his successor is intriguing.

Lou Anarumo

Another recently fired coach, Lou Anarumo, is one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL. His defensive unit was a huge factor in Cincinnati’s postseason success in the last few years.

Nov 17, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo watches during warmups before the NFL Week 11 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Undoubtedly, the 2024 version of his defense was the reason for the missed playoff participation, but analysts around the country complained about the lack of defensive playmakers besides pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.

While his defense’s numbers in the regular season are quite average, his postseason rank in EPA/Play since taking over the group in 2019 is fifth.

He has also interviewed with the Falcons for the same job.

Jim Leonhard

Longtime NFL safety Jim Leonhard is currently the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos. It’s his first NFL job. Between 2017 and 2022, he was Wisconsin’s DC for six years, which included some time with Andrew Van Ginkel.

Wisconsin head coach Jim Leonhard, center, is shown during the first quarter of their game Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

He also crossed paths with O’Connell when both were employed by the New York Jets in 2009 and 2010, and he played about half his playing career under Mike Pettine, Minnesota’s assistant head coach.

His defenses in Wisconsin were pretty aggressive, something Vikings fans would surely appreciate.

Brandon Staley

Brandon Staley was fired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2023 season and has been the assistant head coach of the 49ers in the past year.

Oct 29, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley (left) shakes hands with Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus after the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, there’s a Vikings connection. In 2020, Rams head coach Sean McVay hired two new coordinators: O’Connell on offense and Staley on defense. Both coaches ‒ and their families ‒ are good friends.

His Chargers defense was uninspiring, but his Rams defense was outstanding.

If Flores took a new job, it would be more surprising if Staley couldn’t get a look.

Robert Saleh

Let’s check for a connection first. Robert Saleh was San Francisco’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was employed by the same organization between 2013 and 2019.

vikings
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets coach Robert Saleh (left) and Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell shake hands after the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Saleh then got the job as the head coach of the New York Jets and was ultimately fired after this past year’s loss against the Vikings in London.

His track record is impressive, as his units in San Francisco and New York were one of the best in the league. He has landed an interview with the Cowboys for their vacant HC position and could pick between numerous DC openings.

Patrick Graham

Jan 7, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham talk during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Graham was Antonio Pierce’s defensive coordinator with the Raiders, but exited the building with him. In 2019, he was on Brian Flores’ staff in Miami, and he had worked with the Patriots for six years.

Graham has drawn some head coaching interest in the last few years. The Vikings also interviewed him for their vacant job in 2022 before hiring O’Connell. He has interviewed for Jacksonville’s head coaching job.


Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt