The Minnesota Vikings, who had a disappointing showing in the NFL playoffs this year, will have a new defensive coordinator, as Brian Flores has just been hired to take on that role.
Steelers’ assistant coach Brian Flores is accepting the Vikings’ defensive coordinator job, per source.
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2023
Vikings fans seem pretty happy about the hire.
I can’t believe that we get to have such a talent in Brian Flores. Dude should definitely be a Head Coach. Regardless, I’m happy that he’s here with the Vikes. #SKOL https://t.co/6Fa1U7NXru
— X’s and Skol’s (@XsAndSkols) February 6, 2023
Brian Flores. Welcome to Minnesota. I’m so happy for you and for Vikings fans that we threw Pettine to the side. Home run hire.
— Zachary Tipton (@Ztip22Tipton) February 6, 2023
🚨🚨BREAKING #NFL NEWS!!🚨🚨
Brian FLORES (FORMER #MINE HC) has now accepted a Defensive Coordinator position with the Minnesota @Vikings!!!
This is big news for Minnesota!! Because now, they got a coach that can get their defense turned around!!!💯💯#Vikings #BrianFlores
—Michael Davis (@MichaelKeithDa2) February 6, 2023
This fan feels Flores could transform Minnesota’s defense and make it into a force.
Absolutely NOT someone I want to face twice a year if I’m in the NFC North, Brian Flores is the goods.
Hyper-aggressive Cover 0 savant that gets his guys playing hard week in and week out. It may take time for the #Vikings to get his guys, but when they do… 😬😬😬 https://t.co/TPi0Pdqry5
—Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) February 6, 2023
This fan feels Flores could help maximize one of the team’s main weapons in its secondary.
Brian Flores and Harrison Smith is a match made in heaven. A few thought Minnesota could potentially move on from the veteran safety this off-season — now there is a near zero chance that happens. pic.twitter.com/AwE9BgjJ9L
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) February 6, 2023
Flores spent this season with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a linebackers coach and senior defensive assistant.
He is best known as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, during which he got the opportunity to coach quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Before that, he was a member of Bill Belichick’s staff on the New England Patriots, which gave him the opportunity to win several Super Bowl rings, not to mention be around a championship culture and learn the “Patriots’ Way.”
Unfortunately, after Flores was fired by the Dolphins following last season, he filed a lawsuit against them, the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and the league itself for racial discrimination, forcing the league and the NFL media to take a close look at pro football’s culture.
The Vikings have plenty of offensive firepower between All-Pro first-team wide receiver Justin Jefferson, No. 2 wideout Adam Thielen, Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook and tight end TJ Hockenson.
Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL right now, and he put up 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns this year.
But Minnesota’s defense was its big letdown, as it finished toward the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed, total yards allowed and points given up.
Despite an outstanding 13-4 record, it fell 31-24 to the New York Giants in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
