Did Vikings coaching staff have serious drama with Brian Flores?

Pettine was hired as the assistant head coach of the Vikings in 2022. He moved to assistant head coach/outside linebackers coach in 2024. In January, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Pettine was retiring from coaching.

Minnesota Vikings reportedly had "interpersonal" issues with Brian Flores

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk seemed to confirm there were issues between Flores and other coaches in Minnesota when he told 93.7 The Fan that Flores, while highly respected in the league for his ability to coach defenses, was having difficulty in the job market this offseason because of "interpersonal" issues.

"Because it didn’t end well for him in Miami," Flores said of when Flores was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, via a transcription from Steelers Depot. "And there’s been enough in Minnesota, and I don’t know if it’s as simple as the [Bill] Belichick way doesn’t mesh with Minnesota nice, but there have been issues there from his first year in Minnesota. There have been some interpersonal things."

Based on Flores' resume on the field with the Vikings, he should be a hot candidate for a head-coaching job in the league, especially with a coaching carousel that has included 10 teams.

The situation in Minnesota will be one to keep an eye on next season. Pettine isn't there, but there could be more drama in the coaching room in 2026. The Vikings appreciated Flores enough to bring him back, so clearly they like Flores enough to deal with whatever alleged "interpersonal things" he brings.

If the offense can make improvements in quarterback J.J. McCarthy's third season, Flores and the defense should make Minnesota a playoff contender. The risk makes sense for the Vikings. 

If Minnesota makes the playoffs next season, maybe other teams will overlook Flores' perceived reputation and make him a head coach.