In hindsight, it's still remarkable that the Minnesota Vikings won 13 games in 2022, despite having a defense that allowed the second-most yards in the league, as well as the third-most points (a tie, to be entirely fair). Ed Donatell's unit defined the idea of "bend" and "break", so head coach Kevin O'Connell wasted no time making a change, and he was able to bring Brian Flores in to be his new defensive coordinator.
In Flores' first season, the Vikings improved to the middle of the pack in points and yards allowed. The schematic difference was clear, as the Vikings led the league in blitz rate by a noticeable margin (51.5 percent).
Last year, after the addition of more pieces that fit Flores' scheme, the Vikings tied for the most takeaways in the league while allowing the fifth-fewest points per game (19.5). And, yes, the Vikings led the league in blitz rate again in 2024 (38.9 percent).
Flores is undeniably one of the top defensive minds around. Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network has acknowledged as much, ranking him No. 3 out of the 32 defensive coordinators in the NFL.
"Blitz mastermind Brian Flores has transformed the Minnesota Vikings’ defense, forming one of the NFL’s top coaching duos alongside offensive-minded head coach Kevin O’Connell."
"Flores played a key role in elevating both Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to Pro Bowl seasons, each recording double-digit sacks. His expertly designed blitz packages consistently create opportunities for the defensive line. In 2024, Minnesota finished third in the league in Defense+."
The inevitable is moving toward happening with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
After a long run as an assistant coach for the New England Patriots, Flores got his first shot at being a head coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2019. An apparent refusal to tank in his first season set things on the wrong course, and he only lasted three seasons despite winning seasons (albeit with no playoff berths) in each of the last two.
Flores also has an ongoing lawsuit against the NFL and a few teams, including the Dolphins after being fired by them, alleging discriminatory hiring practices. A rocky relationship with players, notably quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, during his time as Dolphins head coach has also come to light in recent years. Still, he got three head coaching interviews in this year's hiring cycle and it feels like a matter of time before he gets his second chance to be a head coach.
Flores has made it clear he wants to be a head coach again, as expected. But he also made it clear he won't be leaving the Vikings for anything other than the right opportunity (also as expected, after the fiasco in Miami).
In Minnesota, Flores found an ideal spot to put what happened with the Dolphins behind him. If the Vikings' defense is good again this season, shy of him taking himself out of consideration for jobs, it will be a pretty big surprise if he doesn't get his second shot at being a head coach in 2026.