It's still very early in the process but Brian Flores' name has not been linked to any head coach openings around the NFL.
Amidst an incredible turnaround of the Vikings defense during the 2023 season, Flores' name started getting floated as a potential head coach candidate. Now, just two days after the regular season ended, and with five head coach jobs available, Flores has yet to have a request for an interview. At least nothing has been reported.
The Panthers, Raiders and Chargers all fired their coaches midseason, with the Commanders and Falcons parting ways with their head coaches in the hours following their seasons coming to an end on Sunday. As of Tuesday morning the Panthers have 10 requests out for interviews, the Chargers have eight and the Commanders have six.
There have, so far, been no reports of Las Vegas or Atlanta sending out requests. Vegas might bring back interim head coach Antonio Pierce after a 5-4 stint under the former linebacker. Atlanta fired Arthur Smith early Monday and is likely still lining up candidates.
While the Vikings defense certainly fell off over the final four games of the season, allowing over 375 yards and 27-plus points in all four losses, the first year under Flores should be considered a success. In 2022 the Vikings ranked 29th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed. In 2023 they finished 13th in points and 17th in yards. That's an incredible turnaround considering the amount of veteran defensive players shown the door last offseason.
Flores still should be considered a viable head coaching candidate, even after the late season drop off that wasn't helped by the amount of injuries the defense suffered.
Depending on what happens in New England with Bill Belichick, there could be another head coaching vacancy. Maybe more if Tennessee and Chicago decide to make changes.
The Vikings would surely love to have Flores back for a second year coordinating the defense. And the sooner they know where Flores will be, the better it'll be for the organization because replacing a defensive coordinator and installing an entirely new defense requires as much time as possible.
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