Former Patriots Assistant Signs Extension Amid Head Coaching Rumors

The New England Patriots are gearing up for the AFC Championship Game, while some teams are already planning for next season.

Many teams are still looking for new head coaches, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. After 19 seasons as the Steelers’ head coach, Mike Tomlin stepped down this offseason. Among candidates to replace him is Brian Flores.

Flores has interviewed for the Steelers job. He interviewed in-person on Tuesday, but has just signed an extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Flores’ contract was up, but the extension ensures he will be back with the Vikings if he does not get a head coaching job.

Flores has been the Vikings’ defensive coordinator since 2023. He was the Steelers ‘ linebackers coach and a senior defensive assistant in 2022. Before that, he was head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Despite back-to-back winning seasons in 2020 and 2021, Flores was fired from the Dolphins.

However, before all of that, Flores spent 15 years in the Patriots organization. He served as a scouting assistant, pro scout, special teams assistant, special teams coach, defensive assistant, safeties coach and linebackers coach during his time with the Patriots. Flores with the Patriots while Mike Vrabel was still a player on the team.

Flores is also a candidate for the Baltimore Ravens job. Should he get either position, his extension with the Vikings would mean nothing. However, the Vikings have locked up one of the best defensive minds in football if he does not land a head coaching gig.

With many vacancies at defensive coordinator around the league, Flores was a name to watch. However, now teams will have to pivot. The former Patriots assistant will continue as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator if he is not a head coach.