Flores's potential departure looms large. Will the Vikings retain their defensive coordinator, or will he pursue head coaching opportunities elsewhere?
The Minnesota Vikings have some decisions to make this offseason. Their players and coaches have decisions to make as well.
Ahead of the team is an offseason that needs several questions answered. The most pressing of those questions on the defensive side is who will be orchestrating the whole defense. It may not be the achitect of the 2025 defense, Brian Flores.
Flores is one of the biggest names in potential head coaching search suggestions. Yet there is continued buzz that the Dallas Cowboys will push strongly to make Flores the Cowboys' defensive play caller.
Whether or not the claim or their pursuit has any merit is up for debate. The Cowboys tend to get publicity many times when they put out their desire for new potential additions. Nevertheless, the stronger the noise around the potential move, the more possible it seems that it could happen.
Alec Lewis of "The Athletic" touched on the subject in his article on the Vikings' big offseason. And while he does not endorse a lateral move from Minnesota defensive coordinator to the same position in Dallas, he discussed the possibility. Lewis shared the following thoughts on Flores' future and other big questions in the organization heading into the offseason.
"The first major domino is Minnesota’s defensive coordinator. Will he return? And, if not, how would the Vikings replace him with someone who has a similar presence and vision?
Flores’ leaving is a possibility, according to multiple team and league sources. The 44-year-old wants to be a head coach again. Seven teams have openings, and he is expected to receive interviews. Unless the Vikings sign him to an extension before his contract expires, Flores will become a free agent.
Leaving laterally for a defensive coordinator position would raise plenty of difficult questions, but serious external interest is expected, especially from the Dallas Cowboys. Before the Vikings’ Week 15 game at AT&T Stadium, multiple Dallas staffers complimented Flores’ scheme."
The many head coaching openings are perhaps the biggest threat to losing Flores, if there is real interest from the other franchise. Flores likely is not going to sign an extension until he knows the head coaching market is not there for him. Given how successful he was in 2025, it is difficult to envision Flores won't be one of the seven or more franchise's top choices this offseason.
There's plenty to sort out for Minnesota. The team hopes it can field a Flores-caliber defense or the equivalent in 2026.