Looks Like the Brian Flores Sweepstakes Are Over
When the Vikings named Brian Flores their new defensive coordinator in the 2023 offseason, everyone expected it to be a short-term stint. Ed Donatell’s flawed defense was a major reason for the disappointing playoff loss in the 2022 playoffs, so finding a new defensive play-caller was the top priority.
Looks Like the Brian Flores Sweepstakes Are Over
The Vikings hired a well-respected defensive mind, former Dolphins head coach Flores, who wanted to make another run at the head coaching ranks but couldn’t generate much interest in 2023. Still, it was fair to expect him to become a head coach within a year or two.
Now, two years later, it looks like Kevin O’Connell will keep his defensive captain for a third campaign. He interviewed for three jobs.
The New York Jets hired former Lions DC Aaron Glenn instead, the Jacksonville Jaguars chose former Buccaneers OC Liam Coen, and the Chicago Bears favored former Lions OC Ben Johnson.
The one remaining job opening is that of the New Orleans Saints, who parted ways with Dennis Allen during his third year in charge of the entire team following some time as the defensive coordinator under Sean Payton.
That gig, however, is widely expected to be Kellen Moore’s. Once the Eagles’ season is over (he is the offensive coordinator), the Saints are anticipated to hire Moore for their head coaching opening.
Flores wasn’t even interviewed for the job, but every last hope seems to have vanished.
Dianna Russini (The Athletic) reported on Friday, “The New Orleans Saints are closing in on their next head coach, with all signs pointing to Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as the likely choice.”
“Other candidates who have interviewed for the job in recent weeks, as well as their agents, were called Friday morning with confirmation that the Saints are moving on, team and league sources confirmed to The Athletic. New Orleans is planning to meet with Moore after the Super Bowl on Feb. 9. He can’t officially be hired until then.”
Flores has always indicated that he would want to be in charge of a team again but has also emphasized that it has to be the right situation.
During the 2024 season, Flores was asked whether he still has the intention to return to the top 32 jobs in the business: “Now, I may get some resistance from my kids, who are having a great time here in Minnesota. They’re having a fantastic time here just with school, and basketball, and football, and friendships and things like that. I’d get a little resistance, but for me personally, it’s something that I’d love to do again. With that said, Minnesota has been a great spot for me. My family, we’re really enjoying it,” the defensive coach said in November.
Flores has a previous stint as a head coach on his resume, being the man in charge of the Miami Dolphins for three seasons between 2019 and 2021. He won five games with a horrendous roster in year one, followed by two seasons with nine wins.
Following his dismissal, he joined Mike Tomlin’s staff in Pittsburgh as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. The Vikings hired him one year later. He spent his first 15 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots in different positions on the scouting and coaching staff.
With Flores’ return, the Vikings might get their entire coaching staff back from the 2024 season.
Assistant OC Grant Udinski is still a candidate for an OC job after having five interviews, and DB coach Daronte Jones could be in line for a promotion.
Flores, 43, has to wait at least one more season to get his second chance. The good news is that the Vikings had one of the best defenses in the league under his watch, and he might get some reinforcements, which could make it even better.
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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