The Washington Commanders made a strong push to bring Brian Flores aboard as their next defensive coordinator - but in the end, Minnesota wasn’t about to let him walk out the door. And now we know just how far the Vikings went to keep him.
Flores, who was once again in the mix for head coaching opportunities - including interviews with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers - also sat down with Washington to discuss their DC vacancy. But when a top job didn’t materialize, he ultimately chose to stay in Minnesota. And it turns out that decision came with a hefty incentive.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had been confident all along that Flores would remain in purple and gold. Now we know why.
According to reports, Minnesota offered Flores a deal worth more than $6 million per year - a staggering figure for a coordinator and likely the highest in the league. That kind of financial commitment speaks volumes about how highly the Vikings value Flores’ impact on their defense.
But money wasn’t the only factor. There were also internal dynamics at play.
Reports indicate that Flores had concerns about the direction of the front office, specifically regarding former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Flores let his contract expire before re-signing, and while he publicly praised ownership and O’Connell, he notably left Adofo-Mensah’s name out of his comments.
With the GM now out of the picture, that friction is no longer a factor.
The Commanders, for their part, weren’t in a position to match that kind of financial firepower. But they didn’t sit idle. After Flores opted to stay put, Washington moved quickly - and smartly - to secure Daronte Jones, a rising name in coaching circles and someone who knows Flores’ system inside and out.
Jones was Flores’ right-hand man in Minnesota, and he made a strong impression during his interview with Washington. That familiarity with Flores’ aggressive, attacking schemes could be a major asset for a Commanders defense that’s in need of a jolt. With Jones, they’re not just getting a solid fallback option - they’re getting a coach who’s been in the trenches with one of the league’s most respected defensive minds.
Yes, hiring another relatively inexperienced play-caller carries some risk. But Jones isn’t green.
He’s been around the league, worked under sharp football minds, and has the kind of résumé that suggests he’s ready for this next step. Washington clearly believes in his potential, and now the focus shifts to giving him the tools he needs to succeed.
Flores may have been the dream hire, but the Commanders didn’t walk away empty-handed. If anything, their pursuit of him may have helped them zero in on the right fit in Jones - someone who can bring similar principles and energy to the role.
Now it’s up to Washington to back that hire with the right personnel moves. Because if they do, this could end up being one of those moments that looks like a loss on paper but turns into a long-term win.