Steelers Star TJ Watt Details The Impact Brian Flores Had On Team In 2022

It seemed inevitable that the Pittsburgh Steelers would lose Brian Flores this off-season. He had been in the rumor mill since the season came to an end, interviewing for several openings around the league. The former Miami Dolphins head coach found his new home earlier this week, as the Minnesota Vikings hired him to be their defensive coordinator. Flores spent just one season in Pittsburgh as the team's linebackers coach.

The linebackers' performances were inconsistent throughout the season, but Flores obviously brought an element of leadership and experience. That certainly helped out Teryl Austin in his first season as the team's defensive coordinator. Star linebacker TJ Watt wasn't afraid to share his feelings on the impact that Flores had in his one season with the team. Via Rob Maaddi on the AP Pro Football Podcast, this is what Watt had to say on the Steelers losing Flores to the Vikings:

"He brought a great attitude into work every day. Just the way that he loves the game, he's very big on his X's and O's. He's a younger coach, and he can talk and relate to the players as well," Watt said to Maaddi. "[He's] just a guy that was super beneficial to have in the building this year."

While it was only one season, his loss will be felt in Pittsburgh. Flores would have had to stay in town for one more year in order for the Steelers to get draft compensation for his loss. It's unclear whether or not general manager, Omar Khan will hire a defensive assistant to replace Flores. He presented a unique outlook for the defense, given that he had head coaching experience in the NFL. 

In fact, the Steelers haven't had many elite assistant coaches in head coach Mike Tomlin's 16-year reign. It's left many wondering whether or not Khan will try a similar approach this off-season. That doesn't particularly mean hiring a defensive assistant, but just another talented addition to the coaching staff. Byron Leftwich's name has been brought up as a guy that Khan could hire on the offensive side of the ball. Overall, it's obvious how big of an impact Flores had on the defense this past season, and his presence will be missed.

How big of a loss do you think he will be? Who should Khan look to hire as an assistant now? What are your thoughts on Watt's comments?