Future of Minnesota Vikings DC Brian Flores made crystal clear with latest head coaching news

All expectations are that Brian Flores will be the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings next season.

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

One of the best head coaching candidates this cycle was Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Even though he was one of the top options for teams, he faced an uphill battle getting a head coaching job due to the pending lawsuit he has against the NFL for their hiring practices.

This cycle, Flores received just three interviews, with two for head coaching jobs:

  • Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach
  • Baltimore Ravens’ head coach
  • Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator

Brian Flores passed over for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach

Saturday afternoon brought news that the Steelers will hire former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy to take over for Mike Tomlin.

It’s a fascinating hire for many reasons. McCarthy worked with general manager Omar Khan and assistant general manager Andy Weidl in 2000 when they were all with the New Orleans Saints. It’s another hire linked to a longstanding relationship.

Now, a potential Flores hire would have also been the same thing, as he spent the 2022 season as the linebackers coach under Tomlin. It’s one reason why many believed he would get the job in Pittsburgh. That, and the fact that the Rooney family has never been shy about making a splash hire, made him a very serious candidate.

With the Steelers passing on Flores and the Ravens hiring Jesse Minter, the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders remain potential options. However, none of those teams has chosen to interview him yet. And Flores already turned down the Cardinals once.

The biggest question of the Vikings’ offseason has been answered, and now all of the focus can turn to the roster, especially at quarterback.