The Brian Flores Situation Reaches a Verdict

If the Pittsburgh Steelers or another undercover suitor does not hire Brian Flores as their head coach, he will return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2026. The latter is a done deal.

After weeks of buzz, the Vikings keep their architect, preserving scheme continuity and setting up another year of defensive prosperity.

Following months of anticipation about Flores’ next steps, Minnesota and Flores’ representation reached an agreement on Wednesday evening, news that was universally praised by purple fans.

Continuity Wins for Minnesota’s Defense

The Flores bullets are almost dodged.

Flores Returns

The Flores suspense has ended — for the most part.

Star Tribune‘s Andrew Krammer wrote Wednesday night, “Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be staying with the Vikings — if he’s not hired as the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens.”

“Flores signed a new contract with the Vikings on Wednesday, Jan. 21, ending prolonged negotiations that likely ended with Flores getting a raise after the Vikings defense ranked third in yards allowed and seventh in points allowed last season. Flores, 44, could still leave the Vikings if he’s hired to his second NFL head coaching job. The ex-Dolphins head coach has interviewed with the Ravens and Steelers this cycle.”

While Flores could be hired by the Steelers, Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders (in theory), it would be incredibly odd for the Vikings to announce the news of his extension just to see him leave a few days later.

In all likelihood, Flores received disadvantageous news from Pittsburgh and locked in the extension with the Vikings.

Continuity on Defense

It’s fairly rare for the Vikings to have an offensive or defensive coordinator in the same job for four seasons or more, but that is on track to happen with Flores (and his offensive counterpart, Wes Phillips).

Flores arrived four years ago, and the defense, in most fans’ estimation, was in shambles. These are the numbers:

Flores, so long as the Steelers don’t come knocking soon, will get a chance to keep the defense in the NFL’s Top 12 for a four consecutive year.

Our Janik Eckardt on Flores’s extension: “Not only is Flores’ ability to connect with players unique, but so is his defensive system. His scheme is built around the highest blitz frequency in the NFL. He has mastered the coverage behind those blitzes, which makes it hard for offenses to punish the extra rushers by throwing over their heads.”

“For now, the Vikings have done everything within their control. They’ve secured Flores against lateral movement, eliminated the nightmare of a rival poaching him, and signaled a strong commitment to continuity on the defensive side of the ball. If a head coaching offer ultimately pulls him away, that’s a risk every successful franchise must accept. Until then, Minnesota can operate with stability — something that felt far less certain just a few days ago.”

Get Used to This HC Interview Cycle

The drawback of Flores’ extension? Not much — aside from the suspenseful waiting game every January (or February if the Vikings ever reach the Super Bowl again). This coaching carousel cycle featured more openings than usual, evidenced by Flores’ three interviews altogether (Steelers, Ravens, Commanders DC). It felt like he came somewhat close to returning to the head coaching ranks; perhaps he’ll hit paydirt in 2027.

And this is just the way it will be from now on. Every December and January, fans will wonder, “Is Flores going to stay, or will some team finally hire him?” It’s not too far off from offensive personnel during the Mike Zimmer era getting promoted, disqualifying continuity.

Flores deserves a head coaching job, and eventually, he will get it.

The Compensatory Picks Back on the Table

The sneaky perk of Flores’ extension involves compensatory draft picks.

The moment he accepts a head coaching position — it will happen before too long — Minnesota will receive two 3rd-Round compensatory picks if he’s under contract, per the Rooney Rule. Flores’s contract was due to expire after the Super Bowl, and if the Steelers, for example, had hired him this week, there would have been ambiguity about whether the Vikings would still get the picks. Even the most elite compensatory pick minds didn’t know.

Now, that fear is alleviated. Minnesota would grab the comp picks as early as now if Flores were hired as a head coach.

For a team that needs more youth because of poor 2022 and 2023 draft classes, comp picks are pure currency.