Brian Flores taking head coaching interviews

Three teams reportedly have Flores on their radar, with interviews taking place now that the Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs. Flores struggled to get pressure on Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford in the NFL Wild Card game. But he turned one of the NFL’s worst defenses into one of the best in just two seasons.

You could argue Brian Flores did the most with the least amongst coordinators in the league the past two seasons. He turned undrafted free agents into everyday starters for the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings defense ranks atop the NFL

The Vikings were the second-best rush defense in the NFL this season. They were the fifth-best scoring defense. They finished tied with Pittsburgh, Flores’ former team, in turnovers forced. But Pittsburgh spent more on defensive players than any other team, according to Spotrac.

Related: Emotional Harrison Smith Not Ready to Face Questions on His Future

The Vikings were also the fourth-best third-down defense and tied for fourth with 49 sacks. This is despite the Vikings allocating just 28.7 percent of their salary cap to the defensive side of the ball, ranking 19th in the league.

Flores to flip to familiar foe?

One ESPN insider, Dan Graziano, predicts the Vikings will lose their defensive coordinator to a division foe – the Chicago Bears.

Flores and Bears GM Ryan Poles both went to Boston College, so there’s a connection there.

–Dan Graziano, ESPN (subscription required)

What kind of impact will losing Brian Flores have on the much-improved defense of the Minnesota Vikings? It could be massive, as Flores’ scheme is the most creative in the league. It won’t be replicated by whoever replaces him, requiring the Vikings to spend more on the defensive side of the ball, particularly at cornerback.

The interior offensive line is something head coach Kevin O’Connell wants addressed this offseason. With top corner Byron Murphy becoming a free agent and safety Harrison Smith flirting with retirement, there are lots of holes to fill on defense, too.

It’s been rumored that O’Connell could be traded to fill some of those holes or acquire draft capital. So we discussed it on the latest Minnesota Foul Play-by-play podcast broadcasted live from the hot tub.

We concluded that trading Kevin O’Connell in order to keep Brian Flores would only be fruitful if the return was a top-notch guard or cornerback. Accumulating draft picks doesn’t suit a team with such a poor draft history under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Unfortunately, no NFL teams in need of a head coach have a top-notch guard or cornerback to trade unless you want to acquire 34-year-old Zack Martin from Dallas. So it seems Brian Flores will have to be replaced. And Kevin O’Connell will have to change his play-calling approach for J.J. McCarthy.

Flores entered year two of his defensive coordinator tenure in Minnesota, with a bunch of new faces. It looks like he and Kwesi knew exactly what they were doing during the offseason. Questions about the interior defensive line, linebackers and cornerbacks have all mostly been answered. As a result, the Vikings are at or near the top of every statistical category and ranking you can find on the internet.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Under-the-Radar Assistant Lands Another OC Interview

Here’s where the Vikings defense ranked in the 2024 NFL season, according to PFF, DVOA, ESPN FPI and the top-ranked NFL defense rankings online, via Sportsnaut….

“The Minnesota Vikings defense picked off Jared Goff twice and would’ve added a pick-six on top of that but it was drooped. While Minnesota did allow 31 points to the Lions offense on Sunday Night Football, it was still a 17-9 game at the end of the third quarter. Ultimately, the inability of the Vikings’ offense to put points on the board took a toll on this unit and the proverbial damn broke in a 14-point fourth quarter. Very few offensive play-callers have had answers for what Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores throws out. Kevin O’Connell is one, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is the other. – Sportsnaut

Related: Vikings Superstar Justin Jefferson Receives Another Honor

Below is how the 2024 Vikings defense statistically ranked against the other 31 NFL teams, in points and yards allowed per game. If you watch the Minnesota Vikings play, these rankings make a lot of sense. The Vikings defense bends but does not break in the red zone.

Obviously based on the numbers, Minnesota has struggled at defending the pass. That is true, but part of it is because of how well they defend the run. Teams are forced to pass, and are having some success. Hard to argue with the results however, because the Vikings are allowing the 3rd least amount of points per game.

Related: Looks Like Vikings DC Brian Flores is Out of Head Coaching Opportunities

Here is the Minnesota Vikings current defensive depth chart, including practice squad and injured reserve list for the Minnesota Vikings defense.

Scheme: Hybrid 3-4

Minnesota Vikings Defense – Coaches (2024)

The Vikings defensive coaching staff is made up of the following individuals. Brian Flores was hired prior to the 2023 season, in an attempt to improve a struggling defense. His performance was better than what the numbers showed, and he’s already proving that early in 2024. Most of last year’s defensive coaches have returned. Here is the Vikings full defensive staff.

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores

Assistant Head Coach, Outside Linebackers: Mike Pettine

Defensive Assistant: Imarjay Albury

Defense Quality Control: Lance Bennett

Defensive Line: Marcus Dixon

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo

Inside Linebackers Assistant: Thad Bogardus

Safeties: Michael Hutchings

Defensive Pass Game Coordinator: Daronte Jones

Bookmark this Vikings’ Defense Rankings and Information post! Then, check back after each game for updates!

Minnesota Vikings 2024 Schedule