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An NFL head coaching candidate is staying with his current team.
The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will retain his role under head coach Kevin O’Connell, signing a contract extension after his three-year deal expired through the end of the 2025 regular season.
Inside the Vikings building, there was confidence that Flores would remain on O’Connell’s staff, but there was always the possibility that he would get another chance at becoming an NFL head coach.
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Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Hemmelgarn interview/Getty Images)
He interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers for their head coaching vacancies, with the latter team seeing him for an in-person interview on Wednesday. Flores also interviewed Washington’s commanders for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
It should be noted that the Vikings’ announcement does not necessarily mean he has officially stepped down from these two head coaching positions.
But, absent any changes, Flores will remain in the Twin Cities to work with a defense that has been a formidable group in the league since he took over.
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“Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skills and place them in positions to maximize their impact on the field,” O’Connell said in a press release. “The identity of our defense is a reflection of its leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I have truly enjoyed the relationship we have built over the past three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standards will continue to be essential to our success.”
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings faces the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 30, 2025 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Flores was previously the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, leading them from 2019 to 2021 to a 24-25 record in 49 games. He failed to get them to the playoffs despite going 10-6 in 2020 and going 9-8 in 2021.
Flores also sued the NFL and several teams in 2022, claiming the league was “rife with racism” and alleging systemic racial discrimination in hiring. He claimed teams conducted “mock” interviews for black coaches under the Rooney Rule, although he believes they never intended to hire them.
Flores named the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Dolphins in his lawsuit.
A federal appeals court ruled in August 2025 that Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL for racial discrimination could proceed to trial. The decision rejected the league’s attempt to force Flores into arbitration, which would have made Commissioner Roger Goodell the arbitrator.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Hemmelgarn interview/Getty Images)
In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, the appeals court said the NFL’s arbitration rules requiring Flores to submit his claims to arbitration before Goodell did not have the protection of the Federal Arbitration Act because it “provides for arbitration in name only.”
The Vikings sported the third-best defense in the NFL this past regular season, allowing 282.6 yards per game. They were also seventh in points allowed per game (19.6).
