Vikings DC Taking All Types of Coaching Interviews

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Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Last offseason was a busy one for Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who took multiple head coaching interviews, but ultimately wound up returning for the final year as Kevin O’Connell’s defensive coordinator.

Vikings fans would love for that same eventual outcome this offseason, but one day after Kevin O’Connell reinforced his confidence that Flores will return, it suddenly feels less likely that ever.

We’ve known for a while now about Brian Flores’ head coaching interview with the Baltimore Ravens. We’ve known even longer that the Dallas Cowboys want(ed) to bring him in as defensive coordinator.

Then on Tuesday, the Washington Commanders emerged with interest in the same thing as their NFC East rival. But it wasn’t Jerry Jones who acted first.

Another HC interview for Brian Flores (who’s visiting Commanders)

Instead, according to Adam Schefter (ESPN) it was the Commanders who got B-Flo in DC for his first defensive coordinator interview since the one that got him hired in Minnesota.

But if the Washington update wasn’t enough salt in the wound for Vikings fans, Schefty is also reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers now plan to bring Brian Flores in for an interview to be Mike Tomlin’s replacement.

Brian Flores hasn’t been shy about his desire to land another head coaching gig. While Washington isn’t that right now, they did just fire both coordinators and enter 2026 employing a head coach who’s seat is hotter than any other in the league.

Bringing Flores in would give the Commanders a perfect in-house candidate to replace Quinn, if things go sideways next year. That reality might make the Washington coordinator role more appealing to a guy like Flores, who is struggling to get another head coaching opportunity the old fashioned way.

The Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching job, however, is the one that Flores undoubtedly wants most. Mike Tomlin left the organization after leading the team for 19 years, some of which even included Brian Flores as part of the coaching staff.

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 Vikings, Brian Flores
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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.

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