The Minnesota Vikings‘ defense has improved in each of the past two seasons under Brian Flores. After ranking 28th in points allowed in 2022, Flores’ unit ranked 13th in 2023 and 5th last season.
Despite this, his ongoing lawsuit against the NFL is keeping him from getting another head coaching job. That means we can expect more exotic looks to accompany an improved defensive line. That makes Flores one of the five coordinators who can make headlines in 2025, says Trevor Sikkema of PFF.
Since 2023, Flores has been the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, and his impact has been undeniable. In 2024, Minnesota’s defense ranked top 10 in total pressures (358), with heat coming from all angles and positions in Flores’ trademark aggressive scheme. They finished fourth in points allowed per game (19.9) and third in total EPA allowed per play. Efficient, productive and relentless, Flores’ defense was a driving force behind the Vikings’ success in the win-loss column last season.
What could put the Vikings’ defense over the top is if their secondary comes together like the front office and coaches expect. PFF isn’t a fan of the secondary, ranking them the sixth-worst unit in their preseason rankings.
But if players like Theo Jackson and Isaiah Rodgers can step up, and Mekhi Blackmon can make a full recovery from last year’s ACL injury, the Vikings will have a complete defense that Flores can unleash. And if the Vikings’ offense, namely J.J. McCarthy, can build on last year, the sky is the limit for the team.