The Minnesota Vikings are making a strong push to keep one of the NFL’s top defensive minds in the building. On Wednesday, the team announced it had signed defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a contract extension. But while that move signals a clear desire to retain Flores, the story doesn’t end there-he remains very much in the running for head coaching jobs elsewhere, including two high-profile openings in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Let’s unpack what this really means.
Flores, whose previous deal with Minnesota had expired, is now under contract again-but with a key caveat. The extension is conditional on him not accepting a head coaching role elsewhere. That’s a smart bit of business by the Vikings: they’re locking in a proven commodity on their staff, while still giving Flores the freedom to pursue what many believe is his next step-another shot at leading a team.
And make no mistake, he’s in the mix. Flores had an in-person interview with the Steelers on Tuesday and previously met with the Ravens on January 13. That keeps him firmly in the conversation for both jobs, even as Minnesota moves to secure its defensive future.
From the Vikings' perspective, this is about more than just continuity. It’s about retaining a coordinator who helped transform their defense in 2025.
Under Flores, Minnesota finished seventh in the league in both EPA per play and points allowed per game. They were second-best in yards allowed per game-an impressive stat that speaks to the unit’s consistency and discipline.
The only real blemish? A 21st-place finish in rushing yards allowed per game.
But given the overall jump in performance, that’s a trade-off the Vikings were likely willing to live with.
Flores brought a signature aggressiveness and adaptability to Minnesota’s defense, the same traits that made him a respected head coach in Miami. His schemes confused quarterbacks, disguised coverages, and got the most out of a group that, on paper, wasn’t loaded with elite talent. That kind of coaching travels well-and it’s why teams like the Steelers and Ravens are taking a long look at him.
In Pittsburgh, Flores is one of several candidates to have interviewed twice, alongside Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. The Steelers also brought in former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy for an in-person meeting on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Rams assistant Chris Shula and Illinois offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase have interviewed virtually, though they can’t meet in person until after the NFC Championship Game.
So where does that leave Flores?
This extension gives him a solid fallback if the right head coaching opportunity doesn’t materialize. But it also sends a message: Minnesota values what he’s built and wants him to stick around. Whether that happens depends on how the next few days shake out in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
For now, the Vikings have done their part. They’ve shown Flores the door is open-and that if the head coaching carousel doesn’t spin his way this time, there’s still a home for him in Minnesota.