Vikings DC Taking All Types of Coaching Interviews

Last offseason was a busy one for Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He had a flurry of interest regarding his candidacy for vacant head coaching opportunities. Ultimately he didn’t land any of them and returned as Kevin O’Connell’s defensive coordinator.

The Vikings would certainly love for that reality to play out again this offseason, but the steam is continuing to pour out. Flores has already interviewed for the Baltimore Ravens job, and now he has other organizations considering him for varying vacancies.

Another HC interview for MN Vikings Brian Flores

On Wednesday the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator was in Washington interviewing with the Commanders. That would be a lateral move as the opening is a coordinator role. Pittsburgh will also bring him in for an interview, but that one would be as the head coach.

Steelers now have requested a head coach interview with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, per sources.

Flores is in Washington today, interviewing for the Commanders DC job. Steelers HC interview is expected next. pic.twitter.com/3MOtRLQGDq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2026

Flores hasn’t been shy about his desire to land another head coaching gig. While Washington isn’t that immediately, Dan Quinn is on the chopping block and Flores could be a perfect in-house candidate if things go sideways. That makes the Washington coordinator role more appealing than another run of the mill job.

The Pittsburgh Steelers would also make a good amount of sense. Mike Tomlin left the organization after leading the team for 19 years. Of course he was wildly successful, but that’s a significant amount of investment by the team as well.

Flores needs a situation where the organization is behind him. Pittsburgh could certainly represent that, and the storyline would mirror Tomlin’s before him. The Steelers poached their longtime coach from the Minnesota Vikings, and his post was as the defensive coordinator.

Can the Vikings keep Brian Flores?

Right now Flores doesn’t have a contract for the 2026 season. Kevin O’Connell would love to have him back for the Minnesota Vikings, but that may be out of his hands.

Though the interview requests haven’t come pouring in for Flores, they are now starting to do more than trickle. Flores needs just one organization to align with his principles and he’ll have the elevation he has been looking for.

Minnesota can give Flores a boosted title and an increase if they so choose. In a convenient development, Mike Pettine is now gone as the assistant head coach. O’Connell won’t be replaced, but Flores can assume that title while still running his defense.

As long as head coaching vacancies remain, or pathways to becoming one, the Vikings need to be on high alert. O’Connell has already watched one of his top assistants rocket the league ranks in the last year. It would be tough to watch Flores be the next one to fly the coop.