Kevin O’Connell’s job is secure, but not all members of his staff may be safe. Rumors about Brian Flores as a head coaching candidate have swirled consistently at this point in the season ever since he became the Vikings’ defensive coordinator.

This time might be different, though. That difference is Tom Brady leading an organization, and aiming to install the Patriots Way within it.

Raiders emerge as landing spot for Brian Flores

There has been some talk about Minnesota Vikings Brian Flores making a lateral move to another defensive coordinator role. He still has his sights set on becoming a head coach again, though, and his former quarterback Tom Brady could provide that opportunity. Mike Florio recently outlined how that might happen.

The obvious choice would be offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. But that act has already played, and failed, in Vegas. There’s a rumor currently making the rounds that, once Brady rolls up his sleeves, he’ll make the case for bringing in Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

As the chatter goes, Flores would be the head coach, and former Giants coach Brian Daboll would be the offensive coordinator. Like Flores, Daboll has extensive experience with the Patriot Way. Daboll was there for the first three Super Bowl wins of the Brady/Belichick era, and for two of the second trio of championships.

Brady and Flores are believed to have a good relationship. Flores was among those in Miami who wanted to bring Brady to town after his time in Tampa.

Mike Florio – Pro Football Talk

Flores’ ongoing lawsuit against the NFL has always seemed like a major hurdle to landing another head coaching job. If there’s one organization synonymous with not caring about that, though, it’s the Raiders.

Pete Carroll came out of retirement to coach the Las Vegas Raiders, but the results have been poor. Brian Flores could not be a more opposite hire, and Brady knows exactly what he’s getting from someone he worked so closely with.

Related: Former Vikings Quarterback Matches Tom Brady’s Record

Flores’ last head coaching job was in 2021 with the Dolphins, where he posted a 24-25 record despite being kneecapped in multiple ways by the organization. Brady putting his faith in Flores, and potentially Brian Daboll, would be a big swing toward recreating the Patriots Way he experienced as a player.

It’s still odd to think of Tom Brady the broadcaster as an owner. As an owner, though, Brady can draw on his playing days, and that’s where his desire to infuse a Patriots-like culture comes in. If Flores lands a head coaching job once again, O’Connell would find himself seeking a new defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

Rather than run it back, the Vikings allowed Darnold to test the open market. Minnesota reportedly floated a hefty one-year offer, but the Seattle Seahawks ultimately outbid them.

Now that Darnold’s regular season in Seattle has come to an end, he’s captured the top seed in the NFC and accomplished something that narrowly eluded him a year ago. In the process, he joined some extremely rare company, Tom Brady.

Sam Darnold Accomplishes What He Couldn’t With MN Vikings

Much of the hesitation around re-signing Sam Darnold stemmed from his final two games in a Vikings uniform. With the NFC’s top seed on the line, Darnold went just 18-of-41 for 166 yards and no touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. That loss dropped Minnesota to the No. 2 seed, finishing the season at 14–3.

This year, Darnold found himself in a nearly identical spot, and delivered. He helped the Seahawks defeat the San Francisco 49ers, securing a 14–3 record and the NFC’s top seed. Winning 14 games in back-to-back seasons is something only one quarterback in NFL history has done: Tom Brady.

Sam Darnold writing himself into the history books next to the GOAT 👀 pic.twitter.com/gaoxlTkOLR

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

No one is suggesting Darnold has ever looked like Brady at any point in his career. Still, matching a record held exclusively by the GOAT deserves recognition. If Darnold really wanted to complete the symmetry, he’d win a Super Bowl, just as Brady did in 2004 after his second consecutive 14-win season.

What can’t be disputed is the production. Last season with Minnesota, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while completing 66.2% of his passes. This year in Seattle, he followed that up with 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and a 67.7% completion rate.

JSN 63-YARD TOUCHDOWN.

SEAvsTEN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/wtqsQxa5rk

— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025

There’s no reason to believe that Darnold will join Tom Brady in the Hall of Fame someday, or that he’s going to rack up individual accolades. However, his first season in Seattle has already been a very successful one, and going on a Super Bowl run would only further pour salt into the Minnesota Vikings wounds.

There’s no reason to believe Darnold will join Tom Brady in the Hall of Fame someday, or that he’s poised to rack up individual awards. Still, his first season with the Seahawks has been a clear success, and a deep playoff run, or a Super Bowl, would only add salt to Minnesota’s wounds.

MN Vikings Will Watch Darnold’s Run From Afar

Now on the outside looking in, the Minnesota Vikings will watch their former quarterback navigate the NFC playoffs. Seattle’s top seed grants them a first-round bye, setting the stage for a potentially long postseason run.

Darnold has already seen several possible playoff opponents. Seattle’s three losses this season came against the 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams, creating opportunities for revenge should the matchups arise.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are left focusing on fixing the quarterback issues that ultimately derailed their season. Some involved may get one last chance to right the ship, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.

Stop the count, Tom Brady loves the Minnesota Vikings

Tom Brady has joined the broadcast booth for the first time this season. Obviously that comes on the heels of an incredibly successful, Hall of Fame, playing career. He knows a thing or two about the sport, and he has the Vikings third in his latest power rankings.

🚨POWER RANKINGS🚨 @TomBrady's Top 5 Teams going into Week 4!
1. @Chiefs
2. @BuffaloBills
3. @Vikings
4. @Seahawks
5. @HoustonTexans pic.twitter.com/ygkKKKxGYC

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 26, 2024

“At number three, the Minnesota Vikings. Yeah. Just how you scripted it. You lose your quarterback in free agency so you draft one in the first round. He gets injured, so you bring in Sam Darnold. 3-0 start. It’s been his fourth team in five seasons. I can’t say enough good things about what I’ve seen from him this year. My old teammate KOC [Kevin O’Connell], he could be the frontrunner, I know this is early, for coach of the year. He’s got them off to a 3-0 start. And what about this Vikings defense. 16 sacks to lead the league so far this year. Unbelievable job by Brian Flores. They got a big game against the Packers coming up on Sunday. NFC North is going to be a lot of fun to watch this year.”

Tom Brady on the Minnesota Vikings (NFL on Fox)

It’s pretty cool to see one of the best to ever play the game be so complimentary of this Minnesota Vikings squad. He is correct in suggesting that the Vikings are rolling, and it’s hard not to get on board at this point. Minnesota can continue to turn heads with another big win against the Packers at Lambeau on Sunday.

Vikings defense is stopping early down runs, closing windows in disguised zone coverage, and creating pressure when sending 4 and 5 instead of needing to send 6 or 7 pic.twitter.com/gyquKiN9g3

— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 22, 2024

Related: Bill Belichick Not Sold on Minnesota Vikings

Brady is just the latest believe in what O’Connell has going for the Vikings. An uncertainty surrounded the franchise to start the season because of Darnold’s previous stops. Coaching clearly makes a difference, and so does having competent parts to surround yourself with.

Related: Stephen A. Smith Has Finally Seen the Minnesota Vikings Light

Should the Vikings get off to a 4-0 start and head across the pond undefeated, a big showdown with the New York Jets is on tap.

Meanwhile, as the Vikings and other NFL teams are grinding out training camp, Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback of all time, is enjoying his summer doing what any recently retired and divorced QB GOAT would do.

He’s living it up, jumping in and out of the limelight, hosting TV shows, going on exotic vacations and hanging out with beautiful women. You know, normal Tom Brady stuff. But after one year out of the league, Tom has made it clear (on multiple occasions) that he still has that itch to put pads on again.

Tom Brady is still thinking about a return to the NFL.

The most recent instance happened this, when a clip of Tom Brady surfaced on social media, where he bragged about how great of shape he is still in. Why is he staying in great shape? Oh, you know.

🚨BREAKING: Tom Brady says in his new vlog that he’s been training because he still may want to COME OUT OF RETIREMENT.

Talking about the young players in the league “THEY STILL GOT SOMETHING TO DEAL WITH”

👀👀👀

pic.twitter.com/jgcnYWpkgb

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 14, 2024

“I just want to make sure that all those young bucks in the NFL know that if I still want to come out of retirement, they still got something to deal with.”

Earlier this offseason on the Deep Cut Podcast, Tom talked about how he’d likely make his comeback as a mid-season signing. The most likely scenario, he said at the time, would be an early season injury to a QB on a competitive team or some other sudden need for a super bowl caliber quarterback on a super bowl caliber roster.

Tom Brady says he isn’t opposed to making a return to the NFL if a team calls pic.twitter.com/QjiLvF9FII

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 11, 2024

Well Mr. Tom Brady, let me tell you about a team that plays home games up in Minnesota, in a temperature controlled environment perfect for a 47-year-old quarterback whose knees might get a little squeaky in the cold?

Selling the GOAT on the Minnesota Vikings…

We’re talking about the same team that already lost it’s rookie first round QB for the season, due to a meniscus tear. It’s the same squad that is relying on a guy named Sam Darnold to have a comeback player of the year kind of performance.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign New QB, Officially End J.J. McCarthy’s Season

If, let’s just say, the Sam Darnold project in Minnesota weren’t to work out. Whether it be due to injury (please not) or poor play (certainly plausible), would Brady be willing to put the pads back on for the Minnesota Vikings? He’d have two of the best offensive tackles in the league keeping his pocket clean.

He’d get to throw to Justin Jefferson, who would be the best receiver he has ever played with, not named Randy Moss. Oh, and he could reunite with his old teammate, turned offensive play call guru, Kevin O’Connell.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell with former Patriots teammate Tom Brady.

The signs are there… do it Vikings #Skol pic.twitter.com/IoZ8BdTq2D

— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) August 16, 2024

There may be better situations in the NFL for a returning Tom Brady, depending on how the beginning of the season unfolds, but will any of those spots become available? Will the Vikings’ job?

Related: Vikings’ Starting Cornerback Will Be Ready for Week One

If so, I’m sure his family members in the Browerville area, where he used to visit regularly in the summertime, would be oh so proud of their little Tommy, if he decided to to god’s work in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where football dreams have often gone to die. So… just think about it, Tom. Keep us on your list of teams… just in case duty calls.

This time, Ant has caught the attention of Tom Brady, who came across the viral videos of Edwards throwing dimes all over the football field at 30-50 yards per completion. Seeing those videos propelled the greatest quarterback in football history to tweet that Anthony Edwards is playing the wrong sport.

Ant I know the money is good but you’re playing the wrong sport bro. @NFL https://t.co/FC6F05YSmr

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) June 30, 2022

Think about it. We weren’t sure Anthony Edwards was “the guy” before the Minnesota Timberwolves eventually drafted him #1 overall. Now, he looks like the franchise savior. Maybe the Vikings should give him a call. If Russell Wilson was able to play two sports, I’m convinced Ant can too. And obviously, so is Ant.

Gronk gone, so what’s up??? https://t.co/A3RRksPd0G

— Anthony Edwards (@theantedwards_) June 30, 2022

Oh, and don’t forget about his world class acting skills. Here are some of the other throws circling social media the past 24 hours.

The man really can do it all ???????? @theantedwards_ pic.twitter.com/ikxPAcA6MF

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 30, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The worst case scenario for the Minnesota Vikings defense vs Tom Brady, Ronald Jones, Gronk and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense on Sunday has come to fruition. Linebacker, and Walter Payton Award Nominee, Eric Kendricks has been ruled out after not practicing all week.

Alexander Mattison is also out and Minnesota could be in trouble at tight end, with Kyle Rudolph doubtful and Irv Smith Jr questionable.

#MINvsTB injury report

OUT: Eric Kendricks and Alexander Mattison

DOUBTFUL: Kyle Rudolph

QUESTIONABLE: Irv Smith Jr. pic.twitter.com/oxtu3lTe3v

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 11, 2020

Eric’s calf injury first became a problem right before last week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He “tweaked” it in warmups, apparently shocking everyone inside the building, just as much as those of us on the outside.

Kendricks is a huge part of the Vikings defense, both in the run and pass. This could have even greater implications vs a guy like Tom Brady, who loves to throw over the middle of the field to his bestie, Rob Gronkowski.

That’s before we get started on Ronald Jones, who Bruce Arians wants the offense to run though. Jones has 820 yards on the season, easily on pace to surpass 1000 yards in 16 games, and 5 touchdowns.

Can the Minnesota Vikings defense slow Tom Brady, Gronk and Jones without Kendricks protecting the middle of the field? That could be the difference.

Other Injury report news

Kyle Rudolph’s iron-man streak is in danger of ending, right after his near-100 consecutive games played was made such a big deal of last weekend. Supposedly, that streak is playing into his status for Sunday. It appears as though he’d already be unavailable this weekend if that wasn’t ongoing.

With Rudolph ailing, Irv Smith Jr’s status becomes even more important. The Vikings have a lot of weapons on offense but taking away a tight end threat would hurt. Here is Mike Zimmer’s full press conference, which took place immediately after the injury report was released.

LIVE: Head Coach Mike Zimmer provides final updates before Sunday's game against Tampa Bay https://t.co/MO8Sky5jZY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 11, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Philadelphia Eagles’ fan base is currently celebrating their victory in Super Bowl LII.

Ever since Sunday evening, videos documenting the City of Brotherly Love’s riot environment have been making the rounds. As Minnesota Sports Fan’s montage below shows, that shit was chaotic:

Now, it ‘s been revealed that some supporters of the Super Bowl Champs, who were at the big game, had degenerate mindsets of their own. Rather than eat animal feces like one of their peers back home, they busted up and removed seat(s) from U.S. Bank Stadium:

Eagles fan sneaks U.S. Bank Stadium seat past TSA security at MSP airport and onto flight https://t.co/t2sBnI3Lnj pic.twitter.com/UcUtYarTTI

— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) February 6, 2018

WTF, TSA? How did you miss this one?

If the man with the purple plastic surrounding his luggage didn’t stand out enough, it was reported that rat-boy was drunk as hell. I know the TSA have bigger fish to fry, but still. This proverbial fish cleaned itself and jumped right into the frying pan. In the event someone attempts to run off with something like this in the future, they need to eat up.

A video of the man, who is wearing Eagles apparel and what appears to be some sort of Super Bowl credentials, was released by Barstool Sports:

This Eagles fan getting his money’s worth by ripping his chair out of the stadium in Minnesotta last night pic.twitter.com/pZsaOxmGA2

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 5, 2018

Zak Fick, a member of Skol Nation, who resides in South Dakota, was in attendance for Sunday’s contest. During postgame ceremonies, the Carson Wentz fan heard cracking noises and noticed Eagles’ fans, a section over, destroying U.S. Bank Stadium seats. Zak shared documentation of the damage in a Twitter post:

Here are my photos of the seats that were kicked out by Eagles fans after they won the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/aUPW4OjZUl

— Zak (@ZakFick) February 6, 2018

Johnny Investigates:

Below is my quick Q & A with Zak (@ZakFick):

Please Note: As Zak indicates in the interview; whether or not the destruction he witnessed, involved the man who left the stadium with parts of a chair in the above Barstool video, isn’t confirmed. I’ll let you read what Zak said below and let you make your own judgements. I sure as hell did.

Q: Approximately how long after the Hail Mary fell incomplete did you notice the Eagles’ fans destroying the seats?

Q: When you noticed what was occurring, how did you react? Was it evident their end goal was to keep U.S. Bank Stadium’s property?

Q: It’s been reported that you tried catch up with the culprits. Outside of getting to the scene of the crime to find missing chairs, is there anymore to that aspect of this scenario?

Q: Regardless, as a member of Skol Nation and an anti-vandalism advocate, I appreciate the passion. In an attempt to return the favor, if you wish to add anything (plug a business, Carson Wentz shout-out, thank your photography teacher, or anything else) the floor is yours:

Look at Zak with the hat trick: Recognizes the Eagles fans with positive intentions, shows appreciation for the Vikings players and staff, and gives a shout-out to 84. I love it.

If you find yourself wondering how you may be able to help recognize Randy’s HOF induction, even though the weekend is over, feel free to take this approach:

No bar tabs all weekend. In honor of 84, use straight cash, homie

— Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN) February 4, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

If you made up Tom Brady’s life story, the tale would be considered too over-the-top for a Disney movie. His upcoming appearance in Super Bowl LII will mark the 8th career time the Patriots’ captain has played in the big game. A victory in Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium would mean 6 NFL titles for the man whose supermodel wife has an estimated net worth of $360 million.

In regards to the quarterback position, the 199th overall pick from the 2000 NFL draft is the best ever. A bit of Tom Brady’s mystery was revealed to me on Sunday. The greatest football player of all time mentioned that part of his make-up is tied to the greatest state of all time.

Tom Brady says he’s ‘part Minnesotan,’ reminisces about milking cows on family’s farm, fishing https://t.co/HTZvAXi03m pic.twitter.com/cFR1pdzVhc

— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) January 22, 2018

Once the weekend’s blood bath on and off the field, in Philadelphia, ceased, I knew I’d be rooting for the Patriots come February 4th. In the event you’re not quite sold on cheering for the NFL’s Evil Empire, maybe this latest development will cause you to side with New England.

In an interview with the NY Daily News, after their defeat of Jacksonville, Tom Brady referred to himself as “part Minnesotan.” His ties to the Land of 10K Lakes come from his mother, Galynn. The 40 year-old Brady now carries the entire city of Boston on his back. Well, the woman who carried him in her uterus for 9 months is a native of Browerville, MN. Now, his story makes a little more sense.

The small town, with Brady family ties, is approximately two hours northwest of Minneapolis. Per the 2016 census, Browerville, MN has a total population of 753.

In his youth, the now Michigan alum’s grandparents still called Minnesota home, despite Brady being born in California,. While growing up, the future Hall of Famer visited his mother’s-side grandparents every summer. Apparently, a couple of his fonder memories were fishing and milking cows.

I’ve always wondered how the hell he was so comfortable around animals.

As you can tell by his life accomplishments, Tom Brady is playing chess while the rest of the world plays checkers. He jams hours of Words With Friends, while we mortals f*ck around on Candy Crush.

With the Vikings falling short on their quest to be the first team ever to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium, the year’s biggest sporting event will now take place at a neutral site. However, that may just be on paper. In my opinion, Brady premeditated the hell out of this statement on his Minnesota-ties. He knew if the Vikings lost, the Purple’s fans set to attend the championship would be devastated. This strategically placed piece of information, meant to pull at our vulnerable heart-strings, was simply genius.

Super Bowl LIII will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. If the Vikings just so happen to exorcise their recent demons and advance to the season’s final game, WHOEVER we have starting under center best have some family affiliation with the state of Georgia.

Teddy Bridgewater sad he “definitely” feels he should be starting next season, whether it’s here or elsewhere.

— Brian Hall (@MNBrianHall) January 22, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com