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An NFL head coaching candidate remains with his current team.
The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will remain in his role under head coach Kevin O’Connell, signing a contract extension after his three-year deal ran through the end of the 2025 regular season.
There was confidence inside the Vikings building that Flores would stay on O’Connell’s staff, but there was always a chance he would get another crack at being a head coach in the NFL.
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Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on prior to a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
He interviewed with both the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers for their head coaching vacancies, with the latter team seeing him for an in-person interview Wednesday. Flores also interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
It’s worth noting that the Vikings’ announcement doesn’t necessarily mean he’s officially resigned from the two head coaching jobs.
But without changes, Flores will remain in the Twin Cities to work with a defense that has been a formidable group in the league since taking over.
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“Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skills and put 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 his leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I have truly valued the relationship we have built over the past three years and that shared trust, alignment and high standards will continue to be critical to our success.”
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Nov. 30, 2025, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Flores was previously the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, after leading them from 2019-21 to a 24-25 record over 49 games. He was unable to get them to the playoffs despite a 10-6 record in 2020 and a 9-8 record 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 “sham” interviews for black coaches under the Rooney Rule, even though 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 can go to trial. The ruling rejected the league’s attempt to force Flores into arbitration, which would have had commissioner Roger Goodell serve as the arbitrator.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on prior to a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, the appeals court said the NFL’s arbitration rules, which compel Flores to submit his claims to arbitration before Goodell, do not have the protection of the Federal Arbitration Act because it “allows for arbitration in name only.”
The Vikings had the third-best defense in the NFL this past regular season, allowing 282.6 yards per game. They were also seventh-best in points allowed per game. fight (19.6).
