Brian Flores' defensive brilliance sparks head coach buzz. Is a reunion with Tom Brady in Las Vegas the most likely next chapter for the rising coordinator?
The Minnesota Vikings (9-8) had one of the most stellar defenses in the NFL last season. And while it was great while it lasted, it put a spotlight on defensive coordinator Brian Flores and what a great head coaching candidate he could be in 2026.
Well, Minnesota's best kept secret is no longer a secret anymore. And now, several teams could be interested in hiring Flores, not the least of which is the Las Vegas Raiders and front office member Tom Brady.
Brady's time working with the Vikings' defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots has drawn attention as we look toward the Raiders' next hire. It has some thinking Flores is the clear favorite to win the job.
Dustin Baker of "Vikings Territory" explained why Flores to Las Vegas makes some of the most sense.
"Foremost, his resume should do the talking. He took over a bend-and-mostly-break defense created by ex-Vikings defensive boss Ed Donatell in 2022. Within a year, Flores forced Minnesota into the Top 12 of most credible defensive metrics, and by 2024, the Vikings boasted the NFL’s second-best defense per EPA/play. ...
Second, Brady partly owns the Raiders. Brady and Flores worked together in the same New England building for a decade. When Brady talks, others listen, even the tough-as-nails Flores, who stated in 2024 that he’d only take a head coaching job that offers the “right opportunity.”
When Las Vegas hires a head coach, it will be its sixth since the start of 2021. Flores will have to loosen his criteria, and perhaps Brady can help."
There are no guarantees on a hire until the decision is made official, but it's not that difficult to read the tea leaves on where the move could be headed. Flores may not be a defensive coordinator for long. A promotion elsewhere could be imminent.
Certainly, the Ravens have been a team mentioned for Flores in recent days. Others will likely join in on the chance to interview Flores for the head coach position. Then it becomes more about where Flores will coach rather than if he will be a head coach.
The Vikings need a great defensive mind if the offense is not to progress further than it did this past season. Minnesota is hoping for better results, but hope can only take a team so far.
We'll keep an eye on where Minnesota goes with the defensive coordinator position should