New MN Vikings DC Candidate Emerges

It sounds like there is something going on behind the scenes between the Minnesota Vikings and their defensive coordinator from 2023-2025, Brian Flores, who is out flirting with other teams this week, as an unrestricted NFL coach free agent, interviewing for open head coach and defensive coordinator jobs.

At this point, it would surprise nobody if Flores moves on. And if that that indeed happens, Minnesota will need to scramble in order to replace one of the most important figures in the entire organization.

Minnesota Vikings could target Raheem Morris

Replacing Brian Flores will be tough, but Alec Lewis (The Athletic) has an exciting candidate on deck for the Vikings, should B-Flo fly the coop.

Not only is Raheem Morris available, after being fired as Atlanta’s head coach earlier this offseason, but he has previously coached with Kevin O’Connell and already has relationships with multiple other coaches on Minnesota’s staff.

Morris would definitely be in play [as Vikings defensive coordinator]…He and O’Connell worked together with the Rams in 2021. Morris was most recently the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who drastically improved their defense this season (from 30th in DVOA in 2024 to 15th in 2025) with the addition of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator.

Morris is charismatic. He has relationships with some of the Vikings’ other defensive coaches, too. The fit makes sense. But there’s one important question to consider: How much of a role did he play in the defensive improvement in Atlanta, compared to Ulbrich’s influence on the schematic shifts and play calling?

The Athletic

Brian Flores has risen to stardom among defensive coordinators. His defensive scheme is largely why the Minnesota Vikings finished with a 9-8 record in 2025, despite unrelenting injuries and poor quarterback play. But he was also the unquestioned governor of that side of the football, leaving KOC to focus solely on offense.

The next Minnesota Vikings coordinator must be able to preside over the defense as well, without much help from the head coach. With his previous experience, Raheem Morris would seemingly fit that description perfectly,

Why the Vikings would rather just keep Brian Flores

Prior to Brian Flores joining the Minnesota Vikings, the defense was in shambles. Ed Donatell’s crash out quite literally earned Daniel Jones a payday from the New York Giants. From 2020 through 2022, Minnesota owned a bottom-five defensive unit when it came to both points and yardage.

Flores, over his three seasons with the Vikings, has pushed things forward each season. After owning the 5th-best defense in terms of points allowed during 2024, Flores pushed the group into the top ten in multiple categories. That output is again having him considered in this coaching cycle.

Minnesota can’t afford to let one area slip as they attempt to get over the hump. Kevin O’Connell is still seeking his first playoff win, and keeping the side of the ball in which he doesn’t focus dialed in is a must.