Report: MN Vikings DC Out of Head Coaching Options

The Minnesota Vikings have all sorts of issues left to work out this offseason. But the Vikings’ biggest concern entering the offseason, when it comes to their success in 2026, was the free agent status of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Sure, throwing JJ McCarthy out there again could lead to something much more disastrous than Flores ditching town. But it’s a lot easier to grab a one or two year QB rental on the offseason trade or free agency market than it would be replacing the best defensive mind in football.

That’s why it was big news when Brian Flores signed an extension earlier this week to return as Vikings defensive coordinator. At the time, though, B-Flo was still a finalist for two head coaching jobs (Ravens, Steelers).

If he were to land either one, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator of three years would still be gone. In that case, all his new deal would be worth is the compensation picks Minnesota would receive in exchange for losing their minority defensive coordinator to a promotion.

Minnesota Vikings getting Brian Flores back for sure

Fortunately for those who want to see the Vikings back in the playoffs next year, it doesn’t look like we will have to worry about such contractual details.

According to Adam Schefter (ESPN), the Pittsburgh Steelers have three remaining candidates for their vacant head coaching position, and Brian Flores is not one of them. Instead, the league’s top insider says the Steelers are zeroing in on Chris Shula, Anthony Weaver and Mike McCarthy.

"Pittsburgh likes Chris Shula and Anthony Weaver..

Mike McCarthy is definitely in play there as well"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/fGsALEzeKm

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2026

Vikings need Flores, especially next season

Without Flores — whose defense dragged the MN Vikings and their 2025 offensive deficiencies to the finish line with a regular season record above .500 (9-8) — this organization had a lot of questions to answer.

Minnesota’s defense was built by Flores, for Flores. There’s no guarantee that pieces like Andrew Van Ginkel or Josh Metellus, who have become defensive stars in the Vikings’ scheme — would be as effective somewhere else.

Related: Former Vikings Coach Beefing With Brian Flores Reveals Himself

But now that B-Flo is returning, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to mostly run things back in 2026, with one of the best defenses in all of football.

That’s why the Wilfs made him a contract offer he could not refuse, as long as he didn’t land a head coaching job. And now that Brian Flores is returning, it wouldn’t be all that surprised if Harrison Smith decides on an encore, instead of retirement.