Earlier this season, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores faced some scrutiny when Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa criticized his coaching style. However, by the end of a successful season, Flores’ reputation has been restored, thanks in part to glowing praise from Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Appearing on NBC Sports’ *PFT Live* on Friday, O’Connell spoke highly of Flores’ impact on the team. “I can’t speak more highly about what Brian Flores has brought to Minnesota,” O’Connell said, as reported by Josh Alper of *ProFootballTalk*. “When we identified him as the guy we wanted to bring in after the 2022 season, he has been fantastic. His scheme, his relationship with the players, my personal relationship with him, and how we’ve built our team—it’s all been incredible.”
While it’s hard to definitively say whether Flores has fundamentally changed his coaching style, the results on the field speak for themselves. Under Flores’ guidance, the Vikings have consistently fielded strong defenses, finishing 13th in scoring defense in 2023 and improving to fifth in 2024.
Flores is expected to return to Minnesota in 2025 as the Vikings aim to build on their best season by winning percentage since 1998. O’Connell made it clear that he believes Flores is head coach material, stating, “I think Brian Flores should be a head coach in the National Football League. He will be again. But we feel like we’ve got some unfinished business together in Minnesota, and we can’t wait to get to work for 2025.”
It seems Flores has not only solidified his standing in Minnesota but also positioned himself as a strong candidate for future head coaching opportunities.
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