The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially kicked off their in-person interviews in the search for their next head coach, and they’re starting with a familiar face: Brian Flores.
Flores, currently the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, sat down with the Steelers on Tuesday. But Steelers fans will remember he’s no stranger to the organization - Flores spent the 2022 season in Pittsburgh as the team’s linebackers coach and senior defensive assistant. That connection, along with his defensive pedigree, makes him a compelling candidate as the franchise looks to turn the page after the Mike Tomlin era.
Flores has built a strong résumé over the past few years, particularly with Minnesota. His three-year run leading the Vikings’ defense has drawn widespread praise, and it’s not hard to see why.
Flores brings a hard-nosed, adaptable approach on that side of the ball - one that’s helped shape tough, disciplined units capable of adjusting on the fly. Whether it’s dialing up pressure or disguising coverages, his defenses have consistently made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
This interview marks the first of three reported in-person meetings for Pittsburgh this week. Also on deck: Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Each brings a different flavor to the table - Weaver with his rising-star status and McCarthy with his Super Bowl-winning experience - but Flores sets the tone early as a candidate with both Steelers ties and a strong defensive identity.
The Steelers are clearly casting a wide net, and with a franchise as tradition-rich and stability-focused as Pittsburgh, this next hire is going to be about more than X’s and O’s. It’s about culture, leadership, and finding someone who can command the locker room while evolving with today’s game. Flores checks a lot of those boxes, and with his previous stint in the building, he already understands what it means to wear the black and gold.
As the search continues, all eyes will be on how these interviews unfold - and whether Flores’ blend of familiarity and defensive excellence gives him an edge in what’s shaping up to be one of the most pivotal coaching hires in recent Steelers history.