Vikings extend Brian Flores’ contract as defensive coordinator despite interviews with head coach

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 a three-year deal through the end of the 2025 regular season.

There was confidence 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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News

He interviewed with both the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers for their head coaching vacancies, and the latter team met with 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.

DOLPHINS HIRING FORMER PACKERS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR JEFF HAFLEY AS NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORTS

“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.”

Flores was previously the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, leading 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 with no intention of hiring 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.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE News APP

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-ranked defense in the NFL last regular season, allowing 282.6 yards per game. They were also seventh in points allowed per game (19.6).

News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow News Digital sports coverage in X and subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.