NFL Writer Identifies Ex-Patriots Assistant As Possible 2027 Head Coaching Candidate

The 2026 NFL head coaching cycle is almost coming to an end, with just two positions available: the Las Vegas Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals.

There were a handful of big-name coaching candidates who didn’t land a job this cycle, despite there being 10 head coaching openings. One notable name is former New England Patriots coach and current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Although it’s unlikely that Flores will secure a head coaching position this year unless the Raiders hire him, he could be a strong candidate for the next hiring cycle.

CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin identified Flores as a potential candidate for a head coaching position in 2027.

“Flores was a candidate for multiple head-coaching jobs during this cycle but ultimately went back to Minnesota for another season,” Dubin wrote on Friday. “He runs arguably the NFL’s most creative and flexible defense. He’s already got experience from his time in Miami and he’s still young enough to be considered up-and-coming.”

Flores joined the New England coaching staff in 2004, serving in various roles before becoming the Dolphins’ head coach in 2019. He spent three seasons in Miami before being let go after the 2021 season.

It’s somewhat surprising that Flores hasn’t landed a head coaching job since the Dolphins parted ways with him, but it’s likely he’ll be back as a head coach sooner rather than later.