Minnesota Vikings hiring Brian Flores as new defensive coordinator
Head coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins looks on in the second half during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ((Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS - It appears the Minnesota Vikings have found their new defensive coordinator, and it’s a coach widely respected across the NFL.
The team announced Monday it has hired Brian Flores to replace Ed Donatell, who was fired last month after the defense finished 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed. Flores was a candidate to be the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, and had interviewed for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job.
Minnesota Vikings fire defensive coordinator Ed Donatell
The Vikings have fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell after his first season with the team, Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Thursday evening. In the statement, O'Connell says he informed Donatell the team will be moving in "a different direction at defensive coordinator" next season.
Flores, 41, spent three seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019-21 before being a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.
In one season with Pittsburgh, Flores led a defense that allowed seven rushing touchdowns, which tied with New England for the fewest in the NFL in 2022. Pittsburgh’s opponents also had the league’s sixth-lowest completion percentage (61.3 percent). He helped lead linebacker Alex Highsmith to a career-high 14.5 sacks, and tied for the NFL lead with five forced fumbles. He also led a defense where T.J. Watt had 39 tackles, 5.5 sacks and five passes defended in 10 games.
Flores also made national headlines last February, filing a class action lawsuit against the NFL, New York Giants, Broncos and Dolphins, on accusations of racial discrimination. In the lawsuit, he found out over text messages that the Giants were hiring Brian Daboll to be their head coach before they interviewed Flores, which would be in violation of the Rooney Rule. Teams in head coaching searches are required to interview at least one minority candidate before announcing a hire.
Flores will be tasked with revamping a defense that in a 3-4 scheme was among the worst in the NFL under Donatell. Against the Giants in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, Daniel Jones became the first quarterback in league history to pass for at least 300 yards, two touchdowns and run for at least 70 yards.
The Vikings also set a franchise record with allowing at least 400 total yards in five straight games. The interview process to replace Donatell included Ryan Nielsen, Sean Desai, associate head coach Mike Pettine and Flores.
Flores also spent a decade working under legendary coach Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots.