Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is recognized as one of the top strategists in the NFL, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores is not far behind—if he’s behind at all.
While O’Connell excels in offensive schemes and quarterback management, Flores has demonstrated an impressive ability to confuse opposing quarterbacks on the defensive side, successfully targeting playoff-caliber signal-callers like C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy. Despite their youth, both QBs have been praised for their quick decision-making on the field.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano highlighted Flores as the coordinator generating the most buzz in the league. However, Flores’s past as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins comes with complications that could affect his prospects for future head coaching roles in the NFL.
Brian Flores’ Head Coaching Prospects Complicated by Ongoing Lawsuit
Graziano outlined the complexities surrounding Flores’s candidacy for a head coaching position in 2025 on September 25. Currently, he’s generating significant attention in his second season as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator.
From a performance standpoint, Flores has been exceptional. The Vikings have allowed just 30 points this season against teams like the Giants, 49ers, and Texans. His innovative pressure disguises have received widespread acclaim, and the defense has shown marked improvement in executing his system in its second year.
However, a significant concern regarding Flores as a head coaching candidate is his pending lawsuit against the NFL, which alleges racial discrimination in hiring practices. It remains unlikely that an owner would choose to hire a head coach embroiled in litigation against the league.
Despite his strong performance, Flores did not receive any head coaching interviews last year, even though he arguably deserved at least a couple based on his work with the Vikings defense.
Flores Has Elevated the Vikings Defense This Season
O’Connell has acknowledged Flores’s strategic brilliance, noting the necessity for continued evolution within the defensive schemes after a disappointing 7-10 finish last year.
“Credit to [Flores] and his staff for the evolution of the defense week in and week out, and for providing our players a solid chance at success,” O’Connell stated, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. “As we put more on tape, teams may begin to adapt to our strategies, so we need to either adjust or analyze closely to improve our execution and understand formations and tendencies.”
The Vikings’ defensive coaching staff has clearly taken this to heart, as evidenced by their 3-0 start while facing playoff-caliber offenses. Additionally, improved quarterback play from Sam Darnold, who leads the league in touchdown passes with eight in just three weeks, has bolstered the defense’s performance further.
