What a New Report Says About Brian Flores’ Status with the Vikings
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores remains a candidate for head coaching jobs, but a new report suggests the Vikings are confident he will return if that doesn’t materialize. He has drawn interest from the Baltimore Ravens and other franchises could follow.
Because Flores’ contract is expiring, his future technically remains open, though the Vikings reportedly expect him back unless a head coaching job emerges.
Report: Brian Flores Only Departing for HC Job
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote on Monday, “As we understand it, the Vikings remain confident Flores will be back, unless he lands a head-coaching job. Of the eight openings, Flores has publicly emerged as a potential candidate, so far, only with the Ravens.”
Flores’ ongoing lawsuit against the league has remained part of the background of his candidacy, though it has not prevented him from emerging as one of the league’s most respected defensive coordinators. It’s notable that he has not yet drawn more interview requests, as teams could ask him about those things and give him the chance to explain his stance.
Florio added, “It’s possible, frankly, that the Vikings have a tentative deal with Flores, but that a decision has been made to not put pen to paper until he has exhausted all head-coaching possibilities.”
From Flores’ standpoint, the possibility of a lateral move can provide leverage in negotiations, and people tend to hold on to all the leverage they can.
Flores joining a different club as the DC has not gone past the rumor stage. Those said he could be an option in Dallas, as their defensive play-caller Matt Eberflus was axed after only one season. Dallas has requested an interview with Daronte Jones, Minnesota’s defensive pass game coordinator, who could be a candidate for the Vikings’ DC job if Flores leaves.
On the head coaching front, Flo’s only interview (for now) will be with the Baltimore Ravens.
“There’s a lot of talk about my personal situation, and next year,” Flores said. “Look, I’ve said this many times. I’ve loved my time here in Minnesota. My family loves it. The state of Minnesota has been tremendous to me. I know [Kevin O’Connell] mentioned there has been great dialogue, and there has. I said this many times, I’ve loved my time here in Minnesota.”
The defensive-minded coach was hired in 2023 to fix the defense after three years of having a subpar unit on that side of the ball. In his first season, his defense was inconsistent, but it showed flashes. A big jump came in year two, when Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman fortified the front. In 2025, Flores was the main reason why the Vikings won’t draft in the top ten, but ultimately rank 18th on that list and were only 0.5 wins out of the playoffs.
His aggressive defensive scheme has put several opposing quarterbacks in a blender over the years.
Over the last two campaigns, Minnesota has ranked near the top of the league in multiple advanced defensive metrics. The Vikings have the league’s best defensive EPA/Play in that span. In DVOA, the Vikings’ defense ranked 2nd in 2024 and 3rd in 2025.
Flores added prior to the season finale, “Now we just kind of let the club and my representation handle the rest. That’s kind of where I am at on that. As you guys know, I don’t like talking about myself. I think our players are doing a lot of great things on the field, and I don’t want to take away from them in any way. I think if anything, they deserve all the recognition.”
The situation is expected to remain a central offseason storyline.