Less than a year ago, Brian Flores was presented with the task of transforming the Minnesota Vikings defense from one of the worst units in the entire NFL into one that is average, at the very least.
Well, Flores has blown by all of the expectations that were given to him when he was hired last February to be the new Vikings defensive coordinator.
Heading into Week 16, Minnesota's defense ranks ninth in points allowed per drive, 11th in total yards allowed per drive, 11th in net yards per pass attempt allowed, fourth in yards per rushing attempt allowed, 15th in turnovers forced, and eighth in sacks.
Given the success of the Vikings' defense in their first year with Flores leading the charge, many are expecting the veteran coach to get some head-coaching interest from around the league during the 2024 offseason.
Flores has been a head coach in the NFL before, as he had the lead role with the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021. The Dolphins went 5-11 in his first year with the team, but then Miami went on to win 58 percent of their games in his final two seasons with the franchise.
Flores deserves another shot at being an NFL head coach, and he will likely get that opportunity one day. So who are some of the teams around the league that could be interested in giving him that second opportunity?
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Giving up 63 points to the Las Vegas Raiders last Thursday wasn't the reason Brandon Staley was fired by the Los Angeles Chargers, but it was definitely the final straw.
After moving on from Staley last Friday, the Chargers will now be looking to hire their fourth head coach since 2013.
Los Angeles also fired longtime general manager Tom Telesco, so they will likely be looking to fill that position first, and then the new general manager will bring in a guy that fits best with his vision for the team moving forward.
Depending on who the Chargers hire as their new general manager, Flores could be someone they attempt to hire as their next head coach.
Staley had a defensive background, but Los Angeles' defense is one of the worst in the NFL this season. So, given the quick defensive transformation Flores was able to execute in his first year with Minnesota, would the Chargers be interested in seeing if he could do something similar for their franchise?