A Rumored Brian Flores Door May Be Closing
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is once again drawing head coaching interest after completing his third season in Minnesota. He has already interviewed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, continuing a trend that saw him generate multiple interviews last offseason without landing a job.
A popular rumor also included the opening in Las Vegas, as fellow former Patriot Tom Brady is leading the search for the Raiders. However, Flores’ name hasn’t gained any steam over the last two weeks. On Saturday, reports suggested that the club is moving forward into the second round of interviews. With no reported interview request from Las Vegas, the Raiders’ opening may simply never have been a realistic option for Flores, despite earlier betting buzz and speculation.
According to national reporter Tom Pelissero, the Raiders will interview Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero a second time on Tuesday. With nine candidates already cycling through the process, the Raiders’ search appears to be advancing without Flores gaining traction.
Holding the first overall pick in April, the Raiders are widely expected to target Indiana Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Often (not always), organizations want to pair the new franchise quarterback with an offensive mind. Not only is Flores a defensive coach, but his past experiences with Tua Tagovailoa might take him out of that race in the first place.
On the short-list are four defensive and five offensive coaches. Pelissero noted about Mike McDaniel, “Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is scheduled to interview with the Raiders on Monday in Miami for their head coaching job, per sources. A fascinating candidate for Las Vegas, which owns the No. 1 pick — and, potentially, the right to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza.”
McDaniel was Flores’ successor in Miami. Lasting four seasons, he piloted some explosive, though inconsistent, offenses.
Ex-Vikings OC Klint Kubiak is also in the mix. He coordinated the Vikings in 2021, the final year under Mike Zimmer. Under him, Kirk Cousins had his most productive season from a statistical standpoint. After bouncing around in assistant roles, he coordinated the New Orleans Saints’ offense in 2024 and is now the OC for Sam Darnold’s Seattle Seahawks.
Flores hopes to land either the job in Baltimore or in Pittsburgh. Both franchises have parted ways with their skippers after nearly 20 years.
If Flores doesn’t end up in one of those buildings, it’s still not guaranteed that he’ll return to the Twin Cities. His contract has expired and he has taken an interview for the same role with the Washington Commanders.
On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the media, and predictably, he was asked about Flores.
“We’ve been really aggressive (in negotiations), and Flo knows exactly how we feel about him. But at the same time, I’m really excited for him. I think he’s gonna for sure talk to one team about their head coach position, would not be surprised at all if it ends up being multiple. I think he’s more than deserving, everything he’s brought to our organization over these last three years,” O’Connell commented.
While Flores’ future is in question, his potential successor Daronte Jones could land the defensive coordinator job in Dallas. The situation will remain tricky for the Vikings.
If Flores ultimately remains in Minnesota, continuity would benefit a defense that has steadily improved under his leadership. With his contract situation unresolved and outside interest ongoing, the next few weeks could quietly shape the Vikings’ defensive future.