Vikings DC Brian Flores gets interview requests from Jets, Bears
EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - If Monday’s reports are any indication, Brian Flores’ days as the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator might be numbered.
And that’s not a bad thing. The NFL coaching carousel typically starts the Monday after the regular season ends, and teams that fire their head coaches can start requesting interviews for candidates. Flores has been requested by both the New York Jets and Chicago Bears to interview for their openings.
The context
What we know: The Jets fired Robert Saleh earlier this season and finished 5-12. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus after their Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions, and finished 5-12 after beating the Packers on Sunday.
Flores didn’t get a single interview request last offseason, likely partially due to his ongoing lawsuit with the NFL. He was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019-22.
When will he interview?
What we know: Assuming he takes the interview requests, Flores can do them three days after the NFL Wild Card Playoffs conclude, which would be late next week. They would be virtual. The Vikings head to L.A. next Monday night, Jan. 13, to face the Rams.
Flores’ resume
Why it matters: Flores is 24-25 as a head coach and won four Super Bowls as a defensive assistant under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. He replaced Ed Donatell as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator. This season, the Vikings lead the NFL with 24 interceptions and are fifth with 49 sacks. Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Byron Murphy Jr. are headed to the Pro Bowl under Flores’ leadership.