The Commanders have a new threat that can ruin their hopes of a perfect defensive coordinator hire
The Commanders have a lot of competition for Brian Flores, and now he’s interviewing for the Steelers head coaching job.
The Washington Commanders started the offseason with a change on the coaching staff, and head coach Dan Quinn finally parted ways with Joe Whitt Jr.
They made a quick decision to promote David Blough as the offensive coordinator, but they’ve had a very thorough search for the next defensive coordinator. The Commanders have been linked to some of the best defensive coordinator candidates this coaching cycle, but one stands above the rest.
The Commanders landed a massive interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but now he’s one of the favorites to land a rare marquee job that hasn’t been available in 19 years.
Brian Flores is set to interview for the Steelers’ head coach job
Flores is still the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, but his contract is expiring, so he is free to explore his outside options. The Vikings have been very vocal about doing everything possible to keep him, but he might have a better opportunity elsewhere this offseason. He’s already interviewed for the Baltimore Ravens head coaching job, and it seemed to be a pipedream for the Commanders.
The dream turned into a reality after Flores interviewed with the Commanders on Wednesday for the defensive coordinator position. He’s the clear-cut number one candidate for the Commanders, but it won’t be easy. After interviewing with the Commanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers requested to interview him for their coveted head coaching job, which hasn’t been open for 19 years.
Mike Tomlin stepped down as the Steelers’ head coach, and that shook the NFL offseason once again, opening the door for another head coaching vacancy. Flores landed with the Steelers as the linebackers coach after being fired from the Miami Dolphins head coaching position, and that’s all it took for him to get right back as a defensive coordinator.
Flores has spent the last two seasons turning the Vikings’ defense around from No. 17 in the NFL in 2023 to No. 3 in the NFL in 2025.
Can the Commanders actually land Brian Flores?
Believe it or not, there is a chance that the Commanders could land the best hire of the coaching cycle, and what would seem like a miracle hire. Flores actually has a close relationship with general manager Adam Peters from their days spent together with the New England Patriots, where they spent five years together as scouts. The NFL is all about connections and who you know, and the two have remained close and in contact over the years.
Landing Flores would be the biggest staffing move Peters has made since he arrived in Washington, and would be an instant fix for the defense. It would likely take a blank check, an assistant head coaching title, and a heavy influence on the defensive side of the roster, which is all well worth it.
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