The Minnesota Vikings are staring down a pivotal offseason decision - and it all hinges on defensive coordinator Brian Flores. After orchestrating a dramatic turnaround on that side of the ball in 2025, Flores has drawn interest from teams looking for a head coach. That’s great for him, but it leaves Vikings fans holding their breath, wondering if they’re about to lose the architect of one of the league’s most aggressive and effective defenses.
So, should Flores stay or should he go? That’s the million-dollar question.
And while fans would love to see him stick around in Minnesota, the reality is that he’s got options. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have already brought him in for interviews, and given his track record, it’s no surprise.
But if Flores does take a head coaching job, the Vikings will need a plan - and fast.
Let’s talk about what that plan might look like.
Enter Raheem Morris.
If Flores departs, Morris is arguably the most logical external candidate to take over. He’s been around the NFL block - 23 years of coaching experience, including two stints as a head coach (Tampa Bay from 2009-2011, and Atlanta just last season).
He’s also a two-time Super Bowl champion, winning rings with the Buccaneers (Super Bowl XXXVII) and Rams (Super Bowl LVI). That’s not just experience - that’s championship pedigree.
Morris has spent most of his career on the defensive side of the ball, and his coaching style mirrors much of what made Flores’ defense so effective in Minnesota. He thrives on presnap disguise, calculated pressure, and smart coverage schemes.
He’s aggressive, but not reckless - a balance Flores mastered this past season. That kind of continuity would be huge for a Vikings defense that finally found its identity under Flores.
And here’s the kicker: Morris has a deep background coaching defensive backs, which just so happens to be the one area where the 2025 Vikings defense struggled. Plugging that hole could elevate this unit from “very good” to “elite.” Morris could be the guy to do it.
But it’s not a done deal - not yet, anyway. Morris is also in the mix for head coaching jobs, including one with the Tennessee Titans. If he lands one of those gigs, the Vikings will have to look elsewhere.
So who’s next in line?
That brings us to Daronte Jones. He’s been in the Vikings’ orbit on and off since 2020 and currently serves as the team’s defensive pass game coordinator.
Like Morris, Jones has a background with defensive backs, and he’s respected within the building. The internal promotion route is always tempting - it offers continuity and rewards someone who’s been grinding behind the scenes.
But here’s the reality: Jones hasn’t held a major NFL role. His highest-profile job came in 2021 when he served as defensive coordinator at LSU. That’s a solid credential, but it’s not quite the same as calling plays on Sundays in the NFL.
There are other names in the mix too, including veteran coach Don “Wink” Martindale. At 62, Martindale brings a blitz-heavy philosophy and a reputation for forcing quarterbacks to speed up their reads.
But his scheme leans heavily on elite man-to-man corners - something the Vikings don’t currently have. That mismatch makes him a tougher sell.
So why does Morris make so much sense?
Beyond the scheme and the experience, there’s also the personal connection. Morris and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell go way back - they won Super Bowl LVI together with the Rams.
Morris ran the defense, O’Connell called the offense. That kind of shared success builds trust, and trust matters when you’re trying to maintain momentum in a locker room.
If Flores does move on, Morris would offer the smoothest transition. He knows how to run a defense, he understands the personnel, and he already has a working relationship with the head coach. That’s a rare combination, and it’s why he’s viewed as the frontrunner - if he’s available.
Of course, this all hinges on Flores. He hasn’t left yet, and the Vikings haven’t made any moves. But with interviews stacking up and his stock rising, it feels like a matter of when, not if.
And if that moment comes, Minnesota will need to move quickly. Because replacing Brian Flores won’t be easy - but Raheem Morris might just be the best shot they’ve got at keeping this defense on the rise.