Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is entering another round of head coaching interviews.
“Any time you’re mentioned in head coaching conversations or receive requests, it’s an honor,” Flores said Tuesday, while adding that he is “locked in” on the Vikings’ wild-card matchup with the Rams on Monday night.
On Monday, the Jets requested an interview for their head coaching vacancy; Robert Saleh was the first NFL coach fired this season, on Oct. 8. The Bears, who fired Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29, have also reportedly requested an interview with Flores.
Asked about the opening in New England, where Flores spent the first 15 seasons of his coaching career, he said that he would be interested but that it wasn’t up to him if he was considered. There are no reports of the Patriots having requested an interview after they fired first-year coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday.
He will not be able to interview with any teams for head coaching jobs until Jan. 16, three days after the Vikings play their wild-card game.
Flores, in his second season with the Vikings, was previously head coach for the Dolphins from 2019-21. He was fired and sued the team, alleging owner Stephen Ross offered him money to lose and pressured him to violate NFL tampering rules. He also filed suit against the NFL and three other teams for discriminatory hiring practices.
Asked what he would be paying attention to in his interviews, Flores said it’s no different than an interview in any industry: connection, vibe, energy. Is it an environment he could see turning into a winning one?
Flores lauded the Vikings players and staff, calling his time in Minnesota so far “one of the most rewarding” experiences of his coaching journey.