NFL Rumors: AFC Rival Looking To Interview Coach Linked To Patriots

The New England Patriots are one of five NFL teams at the moment looking for their next head coach.

While Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson appear to be at the top of New England’s wish list, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler connected the organization to Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator and former Patriots assistant Brian Flores.

But like Vrabel and Johnson, the Patriots are going to have competition for Flores.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Monday that the New York Jets have requested an interview with Flores. The Jets also requested an interview with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

It’s unclear yet if the Patriots actually will pursue Flores, but it seems likely that the 43-year-old will be a part of their coaching search. Flores spent 15 seasons with the Patriots, working his way up from a scouting assistant to New England’s de facto defensive coordinator by the time he left following the 2018 season.

Flores spent three seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, compiling a 24-25 record. He resurrected his coaching career the past two seasons with the Vikings.

This is the second coaching candidate that the Patriots and Jets have reportedly had mutual interest in. Vrabel reportedly interviewed with the Jets last week, but the former Patriots linebacker might have had an ulterior motive with that meeting.

All signs are pointing to Vrabel being the next head coach of the Patriots, but they’ll certainly want to keep their options open with their coaching search, which could include Flores.