Vikings DC Brian Flores Makes Initial Short List of Coaching Candidates for NFC North Rival
One of the best coaching hires in Minnesota Vikings history happened when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell hired Brian Flores as defensive coordinator, to replace then DC Ed Donatell, whose once season in Minnesota was a complete disaster.
In his 2nd season leading the Vikings defense, Flores has flipped one of the league’s worst defensive units, into one of the most feared. Brian Flores has also made it very clear that he wants to parlay this successful coordinator stop in Minnesota, into another head coaching opportunity elsewhere.
Related: Minnesota Vikings are Significant Favorites in Week 15 vs Bears
Like… with the Chicago Bears, who have been a dumpster fire football team for a decade, probably more. According to Bears author and insider, Dan McNeil, the Minnesota Vikings’ NFC North rivals have four head coaching candidates on their early short list. Brian Flores is one of them. The other names were Lions OC Ben Johnson, Bills OC Joe Brady and Browns ‘consultant’ Mike Vrabel.
Sources confirm these FOUR coaches are on the Bears' list for HC: Ben Johnson, Brian Flores, Joe Brady, Mike Vrabel. They may want to talk to more candidates, but they're targeting these four. More as soon as I get it. #IBearWitness
— Dan McNeil (@DannyMacShow) December 9, 2024
It’s convenient timing for this report, being the Vikings and Bears square off on Monday Night Football, in week 15. If they were hoping to get a close-up look at how Flores operates, they will get it on Monday.
Then, in week 16, the Chicago Bears will get a good look at another division rival coordinator, Lions OC, Ben Johnson. Most believe the Bears will opt for an offensive-minded head coach, with a specialty in QB development, to make sure they don’t ruin one of the best college QB talents in recent history, Caleb Williams.
Could Brian Flores really leave the Minnesota Vikings for Chicago Bears?
That leaves me skeptical as to how serious the Bears president Kevin Warren really is about hiring Flores, who certainly doesn’t have the best reputation for fostering the development of highly drafted quarterbacks.
Caleb Williams is the only QB to throw for 300+ yards and 0 INT against the Vikings’ defense this year.@CarmieV on the Bears on the Marquee Podcast. pic.twitter.com/0q61MBhmTY
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) November 27, 2024
You can bet that Flores will look to have a better relationship with his starting quarterback this time around. Tua Tagovailoa didn’t hold back earlier this year when sharing his feelings. Flores can surround himself with elite offensive minds as well.
Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 Route of Falcons
There have been differing opinions circling for months as to whether Flores will ultimately land another head coach job or not. He’s clearly qualified, but the presence of his lawsuit makes this situation complicated. The Bears would effectively be overlooking the fact that he has unresolved issues against the league as a whole.
It would be tough to see Flores leave for a direct competitor. Then again, it would set up opportunity for O’Connell and his former colleague to match wits. Chicago shouldn’t be the only team in on Flores this coaching cycle.
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