Top Coaching Candidate Would Grant Patriots Interview Request

The Patriots reportedly will interview one familiar face during their head coaching search, but it could actually be two.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is viewed among the top coaching candidates this offseason, told reporters in Minnesota on Tuesday he would grant an interview request should New England reach out.

“I would say yes,” Flores told reporters, per ESPN’s Kevin Seibert.

Flores, however, acknowledged the decision is up to Robert Kraft and the Patriots.

Flores got his start in professional football with the Patriots, serving on Bill Belichick’s staff from more than a decade (2004-2018). He worked his way up from scouting assistant to defensive play-caller (2018).

Flores departed New England when the Miami Vikings hired him as their head coach, starting a tumultuous three-year run with the organization. Flores has served as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons.