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An NFL head coaching candidate is staying with his current team.
The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will remain in his position under head coach Kevin O’Connell, signing a contract extension after his three-year contract ran through the end of the 2025 regular season.
There was confidence within the Vikings building that Flores would remain on O’Connell’s staff, but there was always the possibility that he would get another shot at being an NFL head coach.
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Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches before a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
He interviewed with both the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers for their head coaching vacancies, and the latter team saw him for an in-person interview on Wednesday. Flores also interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
It’s worth noting that the Vikings’ announcement doesn’t necessarily mean he’s officially retired from those two head coaching positions.
But, absent any changes, Flores will remain in the Twin Cities to work with a defense that has been a formidable group in the league since he took over.
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“Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their abilities and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field,” O’Connell said in a press release. “Our defense’s identity is a reflection of its leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I have truly valued the relationship we have built over the past three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standards will continue to be critical to our success.”
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Nov. 30, 2025 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Flores was previously head coach of the Miami Dolphins, having led them from 2019-21 to a 24-25 record in 49 games. He was unable to lead them to the playoffs despite a 10-6 record in 2020 and 9-8 in 2021.
Flores also sued the NFL and several teams in 2022, claiming the league was “riddled with racism” and alleging systemic racial discrimination in hiring. He claimed that teams conducted “fake” interviews for black coaches under the Rooney Rule, although he believes they never intended to hire them.
Flores named the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Dolphins in his lawsuit.
A federal appeals court ruled in August 2025 that Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL for racial discrimination can go to trial. The ruling rejected the league’s attempt to force Flores to submit to arbitration, in which Commissioner Roger Goodell would have been the arbitrator.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches before a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
In a decision written by Circuit Judge José A. Cabranes, the appeals court said the NFL’s arbitration rules requiring Flores to submit his claims to arbitration before Goodell do not have the protection of the Federal Arbitration Act because they “provide for arbitration in name only.”
The Vikings had the third-best defense in the NFL last regular season, allowing 282.6 yards per game. They also ranked seventh best in points allowed per game (19.6).
