Brian Flores has quietly engineered one of the NFL’s most effective defenses this season-and it’s time we gave that the spotlight it deserves.
While the Minnesota Vikings’ offense has been stuck in neutral for much of the year, Flores’ defense has been doing heavy lifting week in and week out. Heading into Week 16, the Vikings rank top-10 in several key categories: total yards allowed, yards per play allowed, passing yards allowed, and pressure rate per dropback. Even against the run-a traditional weak point in recent years-they’re holding their own, sitting inside the top 12 in both rushing yards allowed per game and per carry.
That’s not just solid. That’s elite territory, especially considering the personnel turnover and injuries they’ve dealt with this season. Flores has taken a defense that lacked star power and turned it into a cohesive, aggressive unit that punches above its weight.
But here’s the twist: despite the on-field success, Flores’ future in Minnesota is anything but certain.
His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and so far, there’s been no public movement toward an extension. That alone raises eyebrows. But what really fuels the conversation is the growing sense that Flores is going to explore his options-whether that’s a return to the head coaching ranks or even a move to another coordinator position.
Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune spoke about this on the “Access Vikings” podcast earlier this month, and his insight paints a picture of a coach who’s very much in control of his next move.
Goessling noted that Flores enjoys his current role, but he’s also aware of the leverage that comes with being in demand. “The best time to negotiate,” Goessling said, “is when you are open to other suitors.” That’s the game within the game-using outside interest to either secure a better deal where you are or find a better fit elsewhere.
And here’s the kicker: while most have assumed Flores would only leave Minnesota for a head coaching opportunity, there’s now legitimate buzz that he could consider another coordinator job instead.
It might sound like a lateral move on paper, but in reality, it could come with a pay bump, a more favorable organizational structure, or a clearer path back to a head coaching gig. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones confirmed Flores’ contract status and echoed the sentiment that even if he doesn’t land a head coaching job this cycle, he’d be at the top of the list for any team seeking a defensive coordinator.
That’s how respected Flores is around the league right now. His ability to scheme pressure, adapt week to week, and elevate the talent around him has turned heads.
And let’s not forget-this is a coach who’s already shown he can lead a team. His time in Miami had its ups and downs, but he built a competitive culture and left behind a defense that still bears his fingerprints.
So what happens next?
Flores holds the cards. Whether he stays in Minnesota, takes another coordinator job, or jumps back into the head coaching pool, he’s positioned himself well.
For the Vikings, the question is whether they’re willing to make the kind of commitment it’ll take to keep him. Because if they don’t, another team surely will.
And if you’re a Vikings fan? You better hope someone in the front office is picking up the phone. Because losing Flores would mean more than just finding a new play-caller-it would mean rebuilding the identity this defense has worked so hard to forge.