Brian Flores re-connects with O'Connell as Vikings' DC

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Flores reconnects with Kevin O'Connell as DC of the Vikings

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 2/6/23

Brian Flores is going to be the new defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings.

This, according to the Vikings themselves, though it's worth noting that NFL scoopster Adam Schefter also reported the news.

FLO!

The #Vikings have named Brian Flores defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/6EHf7FUzzX
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 6, 2023

Flores was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021 where he went 24-25 in three seasons but notably led the franchise to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2002-03. He went 10-6 in 2020 and 9-8 in 2021.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell actually worked alongside Flores when both were with the New England Patriots. Flores was a special teams assistant for New England in 2008 when the Patriots drafted O'Connell as a third-round quarterback out of San Diego State.

O'Connell was an NFL quarterback for only one season and he completed just 2-of-4 passes for 23 yards, but that's all water under the bridge because he's quickly made a name for himself as an NFL head coach at just 37 years old.

The Vikings went 13-4 in O'Connell's first season as head coach before falling to the New York Giants in the Wild Card round.

Flores was a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.

He won four Super Bowls while with the Patriots, including one as the defensive play-caller ( Super Bowl LIII in 2018).

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