Brian Flores’ Head Coaching Prospects Dim Amid NFL Lawsuit Fallout

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings‘ defensive coordinator, faces dwindling prospects of securing a head coaching position in the NFL this season, as teams continue to bypass him amid the fallout from his 2022 discrimination lawsuit against the Miami Dolphins.

Flores, who led the Vikings’ defense to a top-five ranking in points allowed this season, has interviewed with multiple teams but remains without an offer. The New York Jets recently opted for Aaron Glenn, while the Chicago Bears chose Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Jacksonville Jaguars, another potential suitor, have scheduled second interviews with other candidates, excluding Flores.

Flores’ lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleges that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross attempted to incentivize losing games to secure a higher draft pick and pressured Flores to recruit quarterback Tom Brady while he was under contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Flores refused, citing ethical concerns, and was later fired. The lawsuit also claims racial discrimination played a role in his dismissal.

“I understand the risks, and yes, it was a difficult decision,” Flores said in a 2022 interview with CBS. “I love coaching. I do. But I know what I may be sacrificing. There was a point where I’m talking to my wife and saying, ‘I’m not gonna be able to live with myself if I don’t file this lawsuit.’”

Despite his legal battle, Flores has proven his coaching prowess. Under his leadership, the Vikings’ defense improved from 28th in scoring in 2022 to 13th in 2023, allowing an average of 21.3 points per game. This season, they further tightened their defense, conceding just 19.5 points per game.

Flores’ ties to the NFL run deep. He previously served as head coach of the Miami Dolphins and worked alongside Patrick Graham, now the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, during their time with the New England Patriots. Graham also served as Flores’ defensive coordinator in Miami during the 2019 season.

As the coaching carousel continues, Flores remains a candidate for the Jaguars and Jets, though neither team has shown strong interest. If no offers materialize, Flores is expected to return to the Vikings for a third season as defensive coordinator.

For now, Flores’ future hangs in the balance, with his legal battle casting a long shadow over his coaching career.