Jan. 21, 2026, 8:41 p.m. CT
The Minnesota Vikings will not need to conduct a search for a new defensive coordinator in 2026.
After several interviews with other teams, Brian Flores and the Vikings agreed to a contract extension on Wednesday. Details of the extension have not been released, but Adam Schefter reported that Flores will be the Vikings’ defensive coordinator “if he does not receive a head coaching job this cycle.”
That seems to leave the door open for Flores to leave. He has interviewed for the head coaching vacancies with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Flores even interviewed for the Washington Commanders‘ defensive coordinator job.
The uncertainty sparked real concern among Vikings fans that Flores’ time in Minnesota might be coming to an end. However, it appears Flores may know something others may not after signing this extension. He’ll return to Minnesota for his fourth season, hoping to build on a dominant end to the 2025 season.
The Vikings ranked seventh in points allowed and third in points allowed this past season. They allowed only one passing touchdown over the final eight games of the year.
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That dominance fueled speculation that Flores could finally receive serious consideration for a head coaching job this offseason. For now, that will have to wait at least another year.