Brian Flores’ Future in Minnesota? Vikings May Benefit If He Stays Put
As the Minnesota Vikings stumble toward the finish line of a disappointing season, sitting at 4-8 and staring down a potential top-10 draft pick, change feels inevitable. When a team falls this far short of expectations, front office and coaching shakeups tend to follow. But while some seats may be warming up in Minnesota, defensive coordinator Brian Flores might not be one of them-and that could be a silver lining for the Vikings.
Let’s start at the top. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is likely safe.
Despite the record, he’s still viewed as a key piece of the Vikings' long-term vision. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, however, could be under closer scrutiny.
His personnel decisions and roster construction will likely be evaluated with a more critical eye this offseason.
But when it comes to Flores, the conversation shifts. The former Miami Dolphins head coach has been a staple on the NFL’s head coaching radar in recent years.
His defensive acumen is well-known across the league, and his ability to scheme pressure and create chaos for opposing offenses has earned him plenty of respect. Yet, he remains on the sidelines-not as the lead man, but as a coordinator.
So far, Flores hasn’t been listed among the top names expected to land head coaching interviews this cycle. According to league insiders, candidates like Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, 49ers DC Robert Saleh, Colts DC Lou Anarumo, and others are drawing more attention. Flores’ name is conspicuously absent from that list.
Why? There are a few factors in play.
Flores is still involved in an ongoing lawsuit against the NFL, which may give some organizations pause. He also continues to be part of the Rooney Rule interview process, which requires teams to interview minority candidates, but he hasn’t been offered another head coaching opportunity since his exit from Miami.
Whether it's league politics or timing, Flores remains on the outside looking in.
And that’s where the Vikings could quietly benefit.
Despite Minnesota’s struggles overall, Flores has built a defense that ranks 10th in total yards allowed. His aggressive, pressure-heavy scheme has limited opposing quarterbacks to the fifth-fewest passing yards per game.
That’s no small feat in a league dominated by high-powered aerial attacks. The Vikings have had their issues stopping the run-particularly disappointing given the additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen-but the pass defense has been a legitimate strength.
Flores’ ability to get the most out of his personnel, even in a transition year, has been a major plus for O’Connell’s staff. His players buy in, his schemes confuse quarterbacks, and his defenses play with edge. If he sticks around for another season in Minnesota, that continuity could be huge for a unit that’s still building its identity.
The head coaching carousel is just starting to spin, and while only the Giants and Titans have current openings, more vacancies are expected. Teams like the Falcons, Browns, Cardinals, Bengals, and Raiders are being closely watched. But unless Flores suddenly becomes a hot name late in the cycle, there’s a real chance he stays in purple and gold.
And for a Vikings team looking to regroup and retool, keeping Brian Flores in the building might be one of the most valuable offseason moves they don’t have to make.