With several teams still looking to hire a new head coach across the NFL, one candidate who hasn’t been talked about much is Brian Flores.
Flores was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, and after he was fired, he has served as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons.
Per The Purple Persuasion, he has interviews lined up with the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears over the next few days.
#Vikings DC Brian Flores will interview with the #Jets and #Jaguars on Friday, and the #Bears on Saturday for their head coaching jobs, per @Schultz_Report. pic.twitter.com/kU62jW1AzB
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 16, 2025
While the Dolphins didn’t make the playoffs under Flores, they did improve from a 5-11 record in their first season with them to post winning seasons in both 2020 and 2021.
When he went to Minnesota, they had one of the NFL’s worst defenses in 2022, but they improved to 13th in points allowed in 2023 and fifth in that category this season.
Practically no one expected Minnesota to make the playoffs this season, but behind their defense and some unexpectedly brilliant play by maligned quarterback Sam Darnold, they finished 14-3 and came to the brink of finishing first in the NFC North.
The Jets and Bears have undeniable talent, but both teams need a leader who will establish a strong identity and bring that talent together to make those teams into winners.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, are also in need of talent, as well as a coach and coaching staff who can get the most out of starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence looked like a budding star during the second half of the 2022 season, but he has regressed since.
NEXT: Justin Jefferson Gets Honest About His Future With Vikings
