One name the Dallas Cowboys have yet to add to their list of interviewees for their defensive coordinator vacancy is that of Brian Flores, whose contract with the Minnesota Vikings recently expired after two years as defensive coordinator.

And while early expectations were that Flores would either land a head coaching gig or come back to Minnesota as DC, the latest update around his coaching free agency makes it clear the door is open for the Cowboys to give him a call and interview him. And if the Cowboys are doing their due diligence, they have no choice but to try to do so.

Flores takes first interview to be DC

The Vikings have made it no secret they’re interested in Flores coming back, which is expected following a Top 5 season in EPA/play and many other key metrics.

But on Wednesday, the Washington Commanders hosted Flores for an in-person interview for their defensive coordinator opening. The news came one day after NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the Commanders were “hoping” to interview Flores.

To go from hoping for an in-person interview in less than 24 hours is a significant development and at minimum, shows that Flores is indeed open to a lateral move. That’s something the Cowboys should be paying attention to as they search for their replacement for Matt Eberflus.

The Commanders are the first team to interview Flores for a DC position. As a head coaching candidate, he also interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens and is expected to interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

Perhaps Flores isn’t a longshot for Cowboys

Notably, the Cowboys have yet to interview Flores for DC, though insider Josina Anderson reports Flores is still on their “list of consideration.” So far, there are eight known candidates for Dallas’ job and we learned the latest names on Wednesday so the process is ongoing.

The challenge for the Cowboys is clear, however. How do you convince Flores to take on a defense that needs a talent overhaul when he already leads one of the best defenses in the league? It’s a fair question because Flores would like to be head coach again. And heading to a lesser roster defensively could set him back in such a pursuit.

And yet, after taking an interview with the Commanders—whose defense ranked even worse than the Cowboys at 31st in EPA per play (Dallas was 30th)—he’s seemingly considering anything. Even coaching under a defensive-minded coach like Dan Quinn.

If I was Jerry Jones, I’d be calling Flores non-stop. For years he’s been one of the best defensive minds in the game. And though some have questions about his attitude, you at least have to get him on an interview. It’s the minimum the Cowboys can do.

Is Flores really leaving Minnesota?

Regardless of the reports, I’m still shocked by Flores taking on a DC interview in Washington. So I reached out to Tyler Forness, who covers the Vikings with us at A to Z Sports Minnesota, to ask for his perspective on Flores’ future and his relationship with the Vikings.

Forness: “While the Minnesota Vikings are still confident and hopeful that Brian Flores returns as the defensive coordinator, head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Tuesday that they “want to be respectful” and “make sure he can go through whatever process [free agency]” before he makes a decision.

“There won’t be a team out there who will outbid what the Vikings can offer financially, as they have already made him a significant offer to stay. The sticking point on whether or not he stays could be linked to the reported “tension and issues” behind the scenes. If they can get that worked out, and Flores doesn’t get offered a head coaching job, it would be hard to see him ending up anywhere else next season. Whether or not they get that done is a big if.”

For now, the Cowboys have yet to show formal interest in Flores. But he sure deserves to be called.

Dallas Cowboys News

Latest candidate for Cowboys defensive coordinator has very relevant connection that points toward the favorite for the job

The Dallas Cowboys are interviewing another candidate for DC, but he might actually point toward another favorite.

Joe DeLeone