Brian Flores Situation Takes an Uncomfortable Turn
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is a head coaching candidate this offseason, having received not just one but two interview requests for job openings. However, as his contract with the Vikings has expired, he could also pursue a lateral defensive coordinator opportunity elsewhere.
Commanders Interview Brian Flores
Earlier this week, news surfaced about the Washington Commanders’ interest in interviewing Flores. Well, they don’t have a head coach opening. In fact, they want to chat with him about the defensive coordinator job. Joe Whitt Jr. was fired by head coach Dan Quinn.
That move was unsurprising, as Quinn took over play-calling halfway through the season. It was an uninspiring defense for the entire 2025 campaign that ended with a 5-12 record for the team that went to the NFC Championship Game a year ago.
Either way, Ian Rapoport noted on Wednesday, “The #Commanders are, in fact, interviewing Brian Flores for their DC job today, source said.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, “Steelers now have requested a head coach interview with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, per sources. Flores is in Washington today, interviewing for the Commanders DC job. Steelers HC interview is expected next.”
The Steelers are one of two NFL franchises that are interviewing him for their HC job. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers finalized their divorce on Tuesday.
Flores worked for that club in 2022 between his employment by the Vikings and his HC gig in Miami. He has also completed an interview with the Baltimore Ravens. At this point, it appears it’ll be the AFC North for Flores, should he receive a head-coaching opportunity in 2026.
On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the media, emphasised his appreciation for Flores and made sure to announce that retaining him is the number one task on his to-do list:
“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.”
Flores was hired in 2023 to put an end to the defensive struggles. He quickly turned the unit around and it has been the strength of the operation over the last two seasons.
“Our relationship is super strong,” O’Connell added. “We’re talking almost every day and just making sure he knows the intent of where we’re at, to have him as our defensive coordinator. He’s kept no secrets about his desire to stay here doing that role as well, but I think it’s important that he totally commits to going through this head coaching process and puts his best foot forward. … Excited for him to do so, all while knowing our No. 1 priority has been to get that (contract) done with him. I have a lot of confidence we’re going to be able to get something done with him as our defensive coordinator.”
Given the offensive issues, it would be a major loss to lose the defensive anchor. Flores has led the 2025 Minnesota Vikings to a 9-8 record despite receiving little from O’Connell’s unit.
Losing Flores to a head coaching position is one thing. That has been his goal since he stepped into the building in Eagan, MN, and the Vikings have known that he would dip once an opportunity arises. However, losing a star coordinator like Flores to a DC job elsewhere would be an embarrassing way to start the 2026 offseason.
He is free to speak with other teams regarding DC openings and to evaluate his future. Flores will remain the top news item in the Vikings universe throughout January.