The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially deep into their head coaching search, and they’ve just wrapped up an in-person interview with a familiar face: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. For Steelers fans, this name rings more than a few bells - and for good reason.
Flores spent the 2022 season in Pittsburgh as a senior defensive assistant, bringing a sharp edge to the defense and earning plenty of respect inside the building. Now, just a few years removed from his stint as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach, Flores is once again in the mix for a top job. And this time, it’s with a franchise that already knows what he brings to the table.
He’s the first of three candidates the Steelers plan to meet with in person this week. Up next: former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, and current Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. It’s a strong trio, but Flores stands out not just because of his résumé, but because of his history with the team.
Since taking over as defensive coordinator in Minnesota, Flores has made his mark. His units have been aggressive, disciplined, and tough - all traits that align with the Steelers’ long-standing identity. He’s shown he can take over a defense and elevate it, and that’s no small feat in today’s NFL, where offensive fireworks dominate headlines.
But Flores’ story goes deeper than just X’s and O’s. After being let go by the Dolphins following the 2021 season, he filed a lawsuit against the NFL alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.
That move could’ve put his coaching future in jeopardy. Instead, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stepped in, offering Flores a role on his staff - a move that spoke volumes about both men.
During his time in Miami, Flores showed he could lead a team, even amid controversy. His tenure wasn’t without friction - particularly with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa - and there were reports of tension with ownership over alleged tanking efforts, which Flores reportedly resisted. Still, his teams were competitive, his defenses were tough, and his leadership was evident.
Flores is also a product of the Bill Belichick coaching tree, having spent over a decade in New England. He started as a scout and worked his way up to linebackers coach, learning the game from one of the most detail-oriented minds in football. That kind of foundation doesn’t just disappear - it shows up in how he builds game plans, how he coaches players, and how he carries himself.
Now, with Pittsburgh in search of a new head coach, Flores is back in the building - not as an assistant, but as a serious candidate to lead the franchise. He’s got the defensive chops, he knows the culture, and he’s already earned the trust of key voices in the organization.
This isn’t just a reunion. It’s a legitimate opportunity for Flores to take the reins of a team that values toughness, discipline, and resilience - three qualities he’s embodied throughout his career. And if the Steelers are looking for a coach who can command a locker room, build a defense from the ground up, and navigate the pressure of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, Flores might just be their guy.