The most shocking part of the NFL's Christmas Day slate isn't the fact that the Minnesota Vikings stunned the Lions in Week 17, but the fact that Max Brosmer out-played Jared Goff in said upset. And that was in large part due to a Vikings' defensive masterclass courtesy of beloved DC Brian Flores.
The Vikings' 23-10 victory saw Flores' defense turn over a high-octane Detroit offense an unprecedented six times, and they sacked Goff five times. What's even more impressive is that Flores and the Minnesota defense helped spoil the Lions' playoff hopes on the most festive day of the year.
For his work with this defense, the 44-year-old once received head coaching consideration, but that started to fade earlier this season. But with an elite performance like this under the bright lights, it could be what catapults Flores' name back to the top of coaching discussions once again.
Brian Flores has more than earned a second shot as an NFL head coach
While the Vikings pulled off the season sweep with the statement win, Flores' defense was the main reason as to why they prevailed. In his second NFL start, Brosmer totaled just 51 yards and didn't have to do much because the defense continuously set the offense up with favorable field position.
Minnesota held one of the league's best offenses to just 231 total yards and 68 rushing yards, as the Vikings held both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to below three yards per carry on the game. And Goff's two-interception game was his first multi-pick game since Week 14 of the 2024 season.
And who was that game against? You guessed it, the Vikings. And the fact that the third-year coordinator has prior head coaching experience will work in his favor.
Flores was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019-2021 and compiled a 24-25 record across his three seasons at the helm. But afterward, he was controversially fired due to an alleged rift between he and Tua Tagovailoa, which saw the front office incorrectly decide to keep Tua over him.
However, that isn't the only thing holding him back from being a head coach. Flores has an ongoing lawsuit against the NFL after suing the league for discrimination he was passed over for the New York Giants' coaching vacancy in favor of Brian Daboll back in 2022.
But that lawsuit shouldn't change his credentials, as he is more than deserving of a second shot as a head coach. And the Week 17 win was the latest piece of evidence that Flores may not be in the Twin Cities much longer. Hopefully ownership gives him a blank check to remain with the Vikings,