Just a few days into the NFL offseason for some, and the interview requests are flying
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores figured to be a hot commodity for teams looking to hire a new head coach. Still, the surprise dismissal of John Harbaugh in Baltimore has added a new layer of intrigue for Minnesota and potential head coaching targets. Even today, the firing of Mike McDaniel from Miami has created a new position and attracted a candidate for teams seeking an offense-minded head coach or offensive coordinator.
A potential successor for Flores, if he departs from Minnesota, was requested for an interview today.
Todd Archer of ESPN reported the Dallas Cowboys have requested permission to speak with Minnesota defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
Kevin Seifert of ESPN added that Jones is on the short list of candidates to replace Flores, especially from in-house.
As for Flores, Baltimore has requested an interview with the defensive coordinator. Albert Breer of SI.com believes the interview will happen sometime next week. Flores will likely take his time and weigh his options, but the chance of Minnesota losing Flores and Jones in the same offseason is a tough pill to swallow.
Coaching turnover is part of year-to-year building, which makes teams that can sustain winning all the more impressive. With success, other NFL teams will look to steal from winning franchises, and usually, teams lose key coordinators and coaches. Without successful succession plans, sustained winning becomes that much harder with roster attrition and turnover.
Now, there is a chance Flores remains with the Vikings, in which case, he'll no doubt be the highest paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.
Kevin O'Connell spoke recently about Flores' contributions to the defense and the team overall, which is invaluable.
“That’s not even taken into account what he’s been able to do defensively for our team and been such a huge part of helping us daily, minute to minute, weather the different storms we had to navigate this year. Things are in a really positive place right now. I absolutely want Brian Flores to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings as long as we can have him.”
The Vikings will do everything they can to retain Flores, but the organization should have contingency plans in case of Flores' and Jones' departures. You can't blame coaches for chasing opportunities, it is just a cruel fact of the NFL.
With success, teams will try to steal the formula. It's the sign of an organization doing things the right way.