Despite a disappointing 9-8 season and an offense that looked flat-out incompetent at times, the Minnesota Vikings found a silver lining in the defense, which performed well and, in some cases, carried them to victories.
All of that is thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who just completed his third season with the team. The Vikings are praying this won't be the last for Flores, as his contract is up and open to talking to other NFL teams. It appears that the nightmare has begun.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported that the Baltimore Ravens are planning on bringing in Flores to interview for the head coach opening after the recent shocking firing of John Harbaugh. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer added that a source told him that the interview is taking place next week.
Reality starting to set in that Brian Flores might depart from the Minnesota Vikings
This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, as Flores was expected to get some calls about being a head coach or defensive coordinator elsewhere. He has gained a ton of respect from the NFL over the last few years with the way he has coached the Vikings' defense.
Minnesota was one of the NFL's top defenses in 2025, ranking third in total defense (282.6 yards allowed per game) and second in pass defense (158.5 yards allowed per game).
The Vikings' offense was one of the league's worst, which led the defense to carry the team in multiple games, including the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions. where the defense had six turnovers created, but the offense threw under 50 yards.
What also helps Flores' case for a head coaching role is that he has done it before. He spent three years as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, posting a 24-25 overall record before being fired.
The chances of Flores actually landing a head coaching job, though, may not be as high as some expect, as he has not been able to get one since the ugly departure from Miami, with reports of issues with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
He will have no problem finding a defensive coordinator job, as any NFL team with an opening there will be calling him up to outbid the Vikings.
It's going to be a bumpy and uncomfortable next few weeks in Minnesota as the Vikings wait to see whether Flores lands a job elsewhere or if they can negotiate a new deal to bring in arguably the most important coach to the staff.