Vikings Assistant Up for Significant Honor

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Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This offseason feels like it’s been a tumultuous one for the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff. Offensive line coach Chris Kuper was shown the door, and it’s reportedly possible his former assistant could still follow in his footsteps.

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been enjoying his coaching free agency tour, making stops in Pittsburgh and Baltimore to interview for head coaching vacancies left by two NFL legends.

He even looked around at possible defensive coordinator jobs, outside of Minnesota. During Flores’ trip around the Coaching Carousel this offseason, MN Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell remained confident that his DC would return, should he not find a head coaching job elsewhere.

Brian Flores extension means everything to Minnesota Vikings

On Wednesday night, he was proven right when Brian Flores signed an extension to remain Vikings defensive coordinator in 2026 and beyond, barring he doesn’t land a head coaching job this offseason or into the future.

Assuming Flores indeed returns in 2026, the Minnesota Vikings defense should remain one of the league’s best. It would also open the window for a Harrison Smith encore season, even if it’s just a sliver.

That’s all music to the ears of Kevin O’Connell, who knows how crucial Brian Flores is to Minnesota Vikings success in the near future. Having him on staff allows KOC to solely focus on offense, not to mention the experience and insight B-Flo brings to his young head coach.

The 44-year-old defensive genius is the gold standard when it comes to identifying and developing talent, which is probably the underrated side of what makes Flores a great coach, given how ballyhooed his scheme is.

Brian Flores nomination for assistant coach of the year

Other organizations may not want his past head coaching baggage (or so we hope), but those connected around league are keenly aware of just how special Brian Flores is as a defensive coordinator.

That’s why, on Thursday morning, the Vikings’ third-year assistant was nominated as one of five finalists for 2025 AP (media) Assistant Coach of the Year, after Minnesota’s defense somehow drug it’s lifeless offense to a 9-8 regular season record.

Flores is one of three defensive coordinators under consideration (along with Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph). Former MN Vikings assistant and current Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, is also a finalist.

Brian Flores’ 2025 Vikings defense finished 3rd this season, in yards allowed, 7th in points and 10th in takeaways. In last year’s ACOTY voting, B-Flo finished second, behind then-Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

We will find out if he can take home the 2025 trophy on February 5, during the annual NFL Honors ceremony.

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