One of the biggest concerns of the Minnesota Vikings is looking significantly more optimistic. Amidst all the changes the organization must make this offseason, one of the most important involves their coaching staff.
Most Vikings fans have been glued to social media lately. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores was getting multiple interviews for head coaching positions as well as defensive coordinator jobs, making fans nervous that he could take one of those jobs.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing Brian Flores back as their defensive coordinator following a contract extension.
On Wednesday night, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they have signed their defensive coordinator to a contract extension. Although many fans started celebrating, that doesn't mean Brian Flores is locked in to return.
FLO!!!
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 22, 2026
The #Vikings have signed Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores to a contract extension.
📰: https://t.co/vQOhYZmNq6 pic.twitter.com/LncdfXrgze
The news of Brian Flores signing a new deal with Minnesota is exciting, but NFL insider Adam Schefter shared some news that should calm down some of the excitement that fans had from the team's news.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has signed a contract extension with the Vikings. If he does not receive a head coaching job this cycle, he will be back as the team’s defensive coordinator.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2026
Ultimately, this means that if Brian Flores doesn't land a head coach job this offseason, he will return to the Minnesota Vikings. This means that a lateral move to be the defensive coordinator of another team is off the table, but he could still accept a head coach gig.
Although this is great news and shows that he would rather stay with the Vikings than take a defensive coordinator job elsewhere, most fans couldn't blame him if he wanted to take one of the open head coach positions around the league.
Now, Vikings fans will need to watch social media even more closely while rooting for the vacant head coach positions around the league to be filled. If Flores isn't chosen for one of those jobs, it will be great to have him back in Minnesota.
Flores' defense is a huge reason the Vikings were able to finish the season with a 9-8 record despite major issues on the offensive side of the ball. If the team had to find a new defensive coordinator, they would struggle mightily to find an individual who has been able to have the kind of success that Brian Flores has been able to get out of his unit.
It's okay to celebrate this signing, but it doesn't mean Flores will be back on the sidelines wearing purple and gold in 2026. Keep refreshing social media to find out the latest regarding the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator and hope the team can have him back for many seasons to come.