The Vikings' starting cornerback didn't mince words.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has had quite a time in the NFL. From his days with the Dolphins, his lawsuit with the NFL, and his forward thinking defensive mind, Flores has established himself as one of the true football "sickos," that's a compliment by the way.
2025 has been a rough season for the Vikings, but the defense has been a shining star all season. Thursday might have been the defense's best performance of the season causing six Lions turnovers and eliminating Detroit from the playoff hunt.
Now as the offseason approaches, speculation grows about Flores' future. He will certainly get head coach attention, but would the veteran defensive coordinator opt to stay in Minnesota?
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the Vikings tried to re-sign Flores before the final year of his deal began.
“Flores, in his third season as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, is in the final year of his contract. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Vikings are currently working toward extending his deal,” Florio wrote. “The Vikings wanted to do it before the 2025 regular season. Flores decided to wait. If he was betting on himself, he won.”
If you're looking for an endorsement from a player, look no further than Byron Murphy, who just signed a three-year deal to stay in Minnesota.
Murphy was frank in his response to ESPN's Kevin Siefert:
“He’s one of the smartest guys when it comes to schemes that I’ve ever been around,” Murphy said, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. “So he can’t go anywhere. He’s not allowed to go anywhere. No way.”
Easier said than done, Byron. The defensive coordinator could be in line for six to eight head coaching opportunities this offseason. The Giants have a quarterback in-house with defensive pieces. Miami might come calling if Mike McDaniel is moved, and Arizona, Las Vegas, Tennessee, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Cleveland could have vacancies.
NBC's Chris Simms wonders why Flores isn't a head coach after his defense's masterful performance on Christmas Day.
“Brian Flores just put on an absolute clinic,” Simms wrote on X on December 25. “Completely shut down Goff and [head coach Dan Campbell] and the Lions. Vikes threw for 51 yards and beat Detroit! How is BFlo not a head coach?!”
If Byron Murphy has his way, Flores won't be leaving, but the former head coach will have plenty of opportunities to become a head coach again this offseason.