Vikings announce Brian Flores extension as defensive coordinator despite head coach interviews

Minnesota Vikings

Vikings announce Brian Flores extension as defensive coordinator despite head coach interviews

Flores interviewed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens for their vacant posts

Scott Thompson Fox News

Published

January 21, 2026 9:12pm EST

Video

Ex-NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya launches bid for Minnesota Senate seat

Ex-NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya discusses her run for a Minnesota Senate seat, the state’s fraud scandal and more on ‘The Story.’

NEW

You can now listen to Fox News articles!

One NFL head coaching candidate is staying put with his current team.

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Wednesday that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will remain in his role under head coach Kevin O’Connell, signing a contract extension after his three-year deal ran through the end of the 2025 regular season.

There was confidence inside the Vikings’ building that Flores would stay on O’Connell’s staff, but there was always the chance he would get another crack at being a head coach in the NFL.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior to a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)

He interviewed with both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers for their vacancies at head coach, with the latter team seeing him for an in-person interview on Wednesday. Flores also interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their vacant defensive coordinator post.

It’s worth noting the Vikings’ announcement doesn’t necessarily mean he has officially withdrawn from those two head coaching jobs.

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 taking over.

DOLPHINS HIRE JEFF HAFLEY, EX-PACKERS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, AS NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORTS

"Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets, and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field," O’Connell said in a press release. "The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I’ve really valued the relationship we’ve built over the last three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standard will continue to be critical to our success."

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Nov. 30, 2025 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Flores was previously head coach of the Miami Dolphins, having led them from 2019-21 to a 24-25 record over 49 games. He wasn’t able to get them to the playoffs despite a 10-6 record in 2020 and a 9-8 record in 2021.

Flores also sued the NFL and multiple teams in 2022, claiming the league was "rife with racism," and alleging systemic racial discrimination in hiring. He claimed that teams conducted "sham" interviews for Black coaches under the Rooney Rule, though he believes they never intended to hire 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 into arbitration, which would have had Commissioner Roger Goodell serve as the arbitrator.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior to a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, the appeals court said the NFL’s arbitration rules forcing Flores to submit his claims to arbitration before Goodell do not have the protection of the Federal Arbitration Act because it "provides for arbitration in name only."

The Vikings sported the third-best defense in the NFL this past regular season, allowing 282.6 yards per game. They were also seventh-best in points allowed per game (19.6).

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Vikings announce Brian Flores extension as defensive coordinator despite head coach interviews