In a typical year in the NFL, about a quarter of the league’s head coaches are fired, giving opportunities for coordinators and position coaches to move up the ranks. That was the case a few years ago for Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, as he went from being linebackers coach with the New England Patriots to Miami Dolphins head coach.
After a failed stint with the Dolphins that saw much turmoil — and even a lawsuit against the team, three other franchises and the league itself — Flores found himself among the coordinators, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and now with the Vikings.
After a successful turnaround of the Vikings defense, which carried the team after Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury, many thought Flores would be a hot name for several openings this season. That, however, seemingly never came to fruition, as Flores never even got an interview, much less a second chance at a head coaching gig.
Brian Flores confirmed he didn't receive any head coach interview requests during this cycle. "And I don't really have control over that situation. I will say that I'm very happy where I am. It's been a great offseason. I haven't spent this much time with my family in a while…"
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) April 16, 2024
It may be a bit surprising that Flores was left out in the cold this coaching cycle. However, if the Vikings defense has a repeat performance of 2023, and if the quarterback situation can be more settled leading to a playoff appearance in 2024, you have to think that Flores will at least get a handful of interviews when the coaching carousel begins to spin again.
