It was an inevitability that teams around the NFL would show interest in Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His success with the team's defensive unit was something that would be appealing to franchises looking for help on defense.
Although the Vikings would love for Flores to stick around as the defensive coordinator under head coach Kevin O'Connell, the aggressive coach would be wise to explore his options before deciding on a position for the 2026 NFL season.
The Washington Commanders are interviewing Minnesota Vikings coach Brian Flores for their open defensive coordinator position.
NFL insider and personality Ian Rapoport shared on X on Wednesday that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is interviewing for a position with the Washington Commanders.
The #Commanders are, in fact, interviewing Brian Flores for their DC job today, source said. https://t.co/LcOZvqqXyt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2026
Flores is interviewing for the defensive coordinator opening in Washington, which would be a lateral move for the 44-year-old coach. If nothing, he can take this interview to leverage it for a better contract if he stays in Minnesota or gets a look for a head coach position elsewhere.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke to the Minnesota Star Tribune on Tuesday and sounded optimistic about the chances of Brian Flores staying in Minnesota despite getting a head coach interview in Baltimore and this interview with Washington.
"I think he's more than deserving, everything he's brought to our organization over these last three years. Not surprised people are wanting to talk to him about that role. Excited for him to do so, all while knowing our No. 1 priority -- really before the season even ended -- our No. 1 priority has been to get that thing done with him."
Brian Flores' defense is the primary reason the Vikings were able to be as competitive as they were during the 2025 NFL season. With the offense struggling, the defense and kicker Will Reichard were able to keep games within reach when points were hard to come by.
The Vikings have to know that losing Brian Flores would be a huge blow to a franchise still looking to find consistency. Their vision for the future, particularly 2026, would be much clearer if they knew they could retain their defensive mastermind.
More interviews are likely to happen in the coming weeks for Brian Flores. A coach of his caliber is bound to draw a lot of attention from numerous teams, but hopefully, he will return to the sidelines for the purple and gold despite these interviews.