MN Vikings Remain Confident Brian Flores Will Return

Brian Flores solidified himself as one of the most brilliant defensive minds in all of football this season, when he and his 2025 Minnesota Vikings defense carried the offense over the finish line with a respectable (on paper) 9-8 regular season record.

Last season, Flores’ defense finished 5th in points allowed per game, 16th in yards allowed, 9th in yards/play, 5th in pass yards allowed and 2nd in turnover percentage (16.6%). They also came in as the 3rd best defense, by adjusted defensive DVOA (-15.0%) and 4th in unadjusted DVOA (-10.2%).

If those in high places around the league spoke honestly, they’d probably tell you that Brian Flores deserves a second opportunity at being an NFL head coach. But every day that goes by, the Flores head coaching reality feels less and less likely.

As of Tuesday, Flores has one reported head coaching interview scheduled this cycle, with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s also receiving defensive coordinator interest from multiple NFC East teams (Cowboys, Commanders). The one of over a dozen candidates that the Ravens plan to bring in.

Flores was not, however, in the initial wave of seven potential head coaches Baltimore interviewed in recent days, according to the team, so he will be fighting an uphill battle from the start of that process.

MN Vikings bittersweet over Brian Flores’ head coaching interviews

During his season-ending press conference in Eagan early Tuesday afternoon, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the Ravens’ interview plans with Brian Flores.

KOC also told reporters that he and B-Flo talk “almost every day” and that the MN Vikings have “been aggressive” in trying to get their defensive coordinator re-signed on a new deal.

"We've been really aggressive and Flo knows exactly how we feel about him, but at the same time, want to be really supportive and I'm really excited for him" -Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on Brian Flores pic.twitter.com/oSIJJW5kS4

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 13, 2026

“We’ve been really aggressive and [Brian Flores] knows exactly how we feel about him. But at the same time, I want to be really supportive. I’m really excited for him. I think he’s gonna for sure talk to one team about their head coaching position. I would not be surprised at all if it ends up being multiple, I think he’s more than deserving.”

“Our relationship is super-strong. We’re talking almost every day, and just making sure he knows the intent of where we’re at, to have him as our defensive coordinator. He has kept no secrets about his desire to stay here, doing that role, as well.

But I think it’s important that he totally commits to going through this process, especially the head coaching process, and puts his best foot forward, which I know he will, he’s been through it before.

I’m not surprised people are wanting to talk to him about that role and I’m excited for him to do so, all while knowing that our No. 1 priority is to get [an extension] done with him.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on DC Brian Flores taking other job interviews

Unfortunately for Brian Flores (fortunately for MN Vikings fans), B-Flo has an active lawsuit against the league (and multiple teams) that’s been in place for nearly five years now.

Many believe it will be difficult for Flores to find an NFL team willing to hire him as their head coach, until those legal matters against the league are settled… and there is seemingly no end in sight for that ongoing process.

KOC remains confident the Vikings will retain Flores

But there’s another unique aspect of B-Flo’s ride on the coaching carousel this offseason. He’s a coaching free agent whose contract is reportedly set to expire this offseason. That makes the Vikings vulnerable to losing him as a defensive coordinator too. If you ask KOC, though, he isn’t sold on that being a realistic outcome.

Kevin O'Connell put a bow on his Brian Flores comments today by reiterating his high confidence level in the Vikings ultimately re-signing their defensive coordinator.

"Based upon my conversations, and I think I shared this the last time we were able to speak, I have a lot of… pic.twitter.com/NEW7aEbzuN

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 13, 2026

“Based upon my conversations, and I think I shared this the last time we were able to speak, I have a lot of confidence we’re going to be able to get something done with [Brian Flores] as our defensive coordinator.”

Kevin O’Connell on the likelihood Minnesota retains Brian Flores

It may be true that Brian Flores is shopping around to see if he can find greener grass outside TCO Performance Center, possibly even a lateral move.

Yet, Minnesota’s head coach remains EXTREMELY confident his defensive coordinator will return to the Minnesota Vikings on a new deal next season, if he does not receive the head coaching job he is looking for.

Related: Minnesota Vikings WR in Jail Again

Just in case a lack of head coaching offers elsewhere, combined with the relationships he has built in Minnesota, aren’t enough to convince Brian Flores to stick around the Twin Cities…

…then the Vikings could entice him with their newly available assistant head coach position, following Mike Pettine’s convenient retirement earlier today.

It’s important to remember that all of this took place BEFORE Mike Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach. For those who don’t know, Flores was raised under Mike Tomlin, in Pittsburgh, so that throws another wrench into this conversation.