Could the Packers Make a Run at Brian Flores? Here's Why It Makes Sense - and Why It Would Shake Up the NFC North
The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a new defensive coordinator, and the timing couldn’t be more interesting. With Jeff Hafley heading to Miami to take over as the Dolphins' head coach, a key role has opened up in Green Bay - and the list of potential candidates is already generating serious buzz.
Names being floated include former head coaches like Jonathan Gannon and Raheem Morris, Denver Broncos assistant Jim Leonhard (a Wisconsin native with deep ties to the state), and Daronte Jones, who’s been quietly building a strong reputation as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive pass game coordinator.
But there’s one name that stands out above the rest - not just for what he brings to the table schematically, but for what a move like this would mean in the NFC North.
That name is Brian Flores.
Why Flores Is Suddenly in Play
Let’s start with the basics: Flores is technically a free agent. His contract with the Vikings expired on January 14, meaning he’s no longer tied to Minnesota and free to talk with other teams - no permissions needed.
And teams are talking.
Flores has already interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also sat down with the Washington Commanders for their defensive coordinator opening, signaling that he’s open to a lateral move if the right opportunity presents itself. The Dallas Cowboys, who recently parted ways with Matt Eberflus, are another team that could be in the mix.
The Packers? They’re a dark horse - but a compelling one.
A Proven Track Record
Flores brings a lot to the table. Before his stint in Minnesota, he spent three years as the Dolphins’ head coach, where he helped turn a struggling franchise into a competitive, hard-nosed team.
In 2025, as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, he helped the Vikings finish third in total defense, giving up just 282.6 yards per game. They also ranked seventh in scoring defense, allowing only 19.6 points per contest.
Those numbers speak volumes. Flores didn’t just improve the Vikings’ defense - he transformed it into one of the league’s most consistent and aggressive units. His ability to mix coverages, disguise blitzes, and get the most out of his personnel is exactly what the Packers could use as they look to take the next step defensively.
A Familiar Face - Almost
Here’s a fun twist: Flores was reportedly one of the front-runners for the Packers’ head coaching job back in 2019, before Matt LaFleur ultimately landed the gig. That connection could matter. LaFleur has shown a willingness to bring in strong voices on his staff, and adding someone with Flores’ résumé would be a bold, calculated move.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, LaFleur could look to lure Flores to Green Bay, especially with no contract currently tying him to Minnesota. And if the Packers do make that move? It wouldn’t just be a win for Green Bay - it’d be a direct hit to a division rival.
The NFC North Impact
Make no mistake: stealing Flores away from the Vikings would be a seismic shift in the division. Minnesota’s defense was a cornerstone of their 2025 success, and losing the architect of that unit would leave a major void. For the Packers, it would be a double win - strengthening their own staff while weakening a key rival.
Of course, it all depends on how the coaching carousel plays out. Flores is still in the mix for head coaching jobs, and if one of those opportunities materializes, this conversation ends there.
But if he doesn’t land a top job? The door swings wide open for a team like Green Bay to make a move.
What Comes Next
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has made it clear he’d love to have Flores back if things don’t work out elsewhere. But with multiple teams circling - and the Packers potentially joining the fray - Minnesota may have a hard time keeping him in purple and gold.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But if Green Bay makes a play for Flores, it could be one of the most impactful coaching hires of the offseason - and a move that redefines the balance of power in the NFC North.