Vikings DC Brian Flores in for Busy Weekend of Job Interviews

By Anthony Varriano |

Updated: Jan 16, 2025

Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

One NFL insider has already predicted that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be head coach of the division rival Chicago Bears next season. Now, another is confirming that Flores’ interview schedule is set for this weekend.

A well-deserved second chance

Flores will likely get a second chance to develop a young quarterback if hired by Chicago. Tua Tagovailoa called Flores “a terrible person” earlier this season, but it hasn’t effected teams’ interest in the former Dolphins head coach. Neither has the active lawsuit against the league.

Flores apologized to Tagovailoa in an impromptu press conference and looked to grow from the situation, quoting Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell in his response. Many thought the criticism, along with the lawsuit, would limit any interest in Flores. That has not been the case.

While there’s stiff competition for jobs this hiring cycle, Flores has already overcome a lot to be considered. The Detroit Lions could lose both their coordinators – Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn – so the Vikings should feel lucky to only lose one if that’s indeed the case. Minnesota quarterbacks coach Josh McCown is also receiving consideration from the Jets, however.

Minnesota Vikings DC in high demand

Jordan Schultz (FOX Sports) is reporting Wednesday evening that Flores will interview with the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars, Friday. The Bears get their shot to secure the best defensive coach available this hiring cycle on Saturday.

Sources: #Vikings DC Brian Flores will interview with the #Jets and #Jaguars on Friday, and the #Bears on Saturday for their head coaching jobs.

Flores is a top candidate in this year’s cycle after two strong years in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/F3QCzz1cw7
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 15, 2025

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What Flores can bring as a head coach

Flores has the most to offer the Jaguars given their defensive rankings in 2024. They were 27th in the league in points allowed per game, 25th in rushing yards allowed, and dead last in passing defense. Jacksonville was second from the bottom in total yards allowed.

The best situation is Chicago, though. The Bears were 27th in yards allowed but middle of the pack in passing defense. Flores excels at stopping the run, so Chicago’s 28th-ranked rush defense should improve with him at the helm.

Rk	Tm	G	PA	Yds	Ply	Y/P	TO ▼
1	Minnesota Vikings	17	332	5702	1078	5.3	33
2	Pittsburgh Steelers	17	347	5554	1034	5.4	33
3	Buffalo Bills	17	368	5806	1052	5.5	32
4	Green Bay Packers	17	338	5347	1036	5.2	31
5	Houston Texans	17	372	5355	1050	5.1	29
6	Philadelphia Eagles	17	303	4732	999	4.7	26
7	Denver Broncos	17	311	5391	1093	4.9	25
8	Indianapolis Colts	17	427	6140	1112	5.5	25
9	Cincinnati Bengals	17	434	5921	1088	5.4	25
10	Detroit Lions	17	342	5820	1016	5.7	24
11	Chicago Bears	17	370	6022	1028	5.9	24
12	Dallas Cowboys	17	468	6039	1046	5.8	22
	Avg Team		389.5	5736.2	1056.6	5.4	20.6

Chicago proved to be a bend-don’t-break defense this season, though. They were 13th in points allowed despite being towards the bottom in yards allowed. The Bears also forced 24 turnovers, which was 11th-most in the league. Minnesota was tied for first under Flores this season.

Minnesota was a bottom-of-the-league defense when Flores arrived prior to the 2023 season. He turned the Vikings into a top-of-the-league defense in just two years. Expect him to do the same wherever he lands.