Is Brian Flores the answer for the Vikings at defensive coordinator?

Brian Flores is a serious candidate to be the next Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator.

After spending last season on Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers staff, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores could be the next defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite suing the NFL for discrimination in its hiring practices, Flores is one of the most savvy coaches on the open market. His role on Tomlin’s staff was only going to be temporary. Whether he ends up leading a team like his own in the Arizona Cardinals or coordinates a defense on a team like the Vikings or Atlanta Falcons is very much in play this offseason. Is he right for Minnesota?

No doubt about it, Flores would be an upgrade over Ed Donatell on Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings staff.

Minnesota Vikings interview Brian Flores for defensive coordinator opening

Despite Flores being let go by the Dolphins last year and not getting the New York Giants gig that went to Brian Daboll, we have seen first-hand for years that Flores can coach. His demeanor may rub some people the wrong way, but he does get results on the field, especially on his side of the ball. He called the game of his life in Super Bowl 53 when he was with the New England Patriots.

From a Vikings standpoint, Flores would make the defense better, hopefully on the level of some of Mike Zimmer’s very best teams. However, he has to understand that this is now an offensive-minded operation in the Twin Cities. Flores’ temperament may venture into Zimmer territories, for good or bad. The Vikings may not want it, but do they want to get back to the Super Bowl or not?

As far as other gigs are concerned, it could go one of two ways in Arizona, or he could need a coordinator job like the one available in places like Minnesota or Atlanta before he gets to lead his own team again. Flores nows how to build a culture, but Arizona has been a hot mess for years now. Minnesota is in win-now mode, so there is greater pressure here than in a place like Atlanta.

One thing is for sure, Flores is poised to be either a defensive coordinator or a head coach in 2023.