Today is the Day for Vikings DC Brian Flores

What will the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coaching staff look like in 2026? At this point, nobody can be quite sure. Defensive coordinator since 2023, Brian Flores, has now taken interviews with multiple teams, not just for possible head coaching positions, but for other DC jobs as well.

Then, there’s pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, who has already interviewed with two teams, for their vacant defensive coordinator positions. Jones still has two more DC interviews remaining (so far), including the latest request he received from rival Green Bay.

Brian Flores’ coaching fate could be decided today in Pittsburgh

But Tuesday, all eyes are on Pittsburgh, where Brian Flores is currently undergoing his second interview (first in-person) with the Steelers for their vacant head coaching job.

It’s unclear how many in-person interviews the Steelers plan to hold. They do have another interview scheduled for Wednesday, with former Packers and Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy.

What might be the most interesting part of Adam Schefter’s (ESPN) update this morning, however, is what the league’s top insider stashed at the bottom.

Minnesota Vikings remain confident Flores will return if…

According to Schefty, if Brian Flores does not get the head coaching job offer he desires this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings remain confident their defensive coordinator of the past three seasons will return for year four.

Steelers are interviewing Vikings DC Brian Flores today for their HC job, and former Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on Wednesday.

Minnesota has been pushing to bring back Flores, and if he doesn’t land a head coaching job, would have a good chance at retaining him.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2026

Last season, the Vikings’ defense under Flores ranked 5th in the NFL 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%).

A look beyond basic metrics told a similar story. Minnesota’s defense — which came in 3rd overall in adjusted defensive DVOA (-15.0%) and 4th in unadjusted DVOA (-10.2%) — carried the Vikings to a +.500 season.

Had the MN Vikings defense played poorly in 2025, or even average, who knows how many games they would have lost. And that is why Kevin O’Connell has made it very clear that Brian Flores is a top priority this offseason.

Steelers visit could decide Flores’ future with MN Vikings

With the active lawsuit B-Flo still has against the league and some of its teams, combined with his unsavory exit from Miami all those years ago — Flores’ head coaching options will again be limited. Hell, he has plenty of baggage here in Minnesota, most of which remains unexplored.

That is what makes today’s interview in Pittsburgh such a crucial turning point in the Vikings’ short-term future. This probably won’t be the 44-year-old veteran NFL coach‘s final opportunity at becoming a head coach this offseason… but it might be his best.

At the moment, there is “no steam” on #Vikings DC Brian Flores and the #Raiders HC opening, @DWolfsonKSTP mentioned via @SKORNorth. It seems like it’s down to the #Ravens or #Steelers is he was to depart for a head coaching opportunity. pic.twitter.com/cWAgVZfLkE

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 20, 2026

So if Minnesota truly believes what they are telling insiders — that Brian Flores will likely return once he runs out of HC interest elsewhere — then the outcome of today’s visit in Pittsburgh may very well decide his future as Vikings’ DC.