![\"Brian](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NFL-New-York-Jets-at-Minnesota-Vikings-24450539-e1769093422797.jpg\")
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
This offseason feels like it\u2019s been a tumultuous one for the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff. Offensive line coach Chris Kuper was shown the door<\/a>, and it\u2019s reportedly possible<\/a> his former assistant could still follow in his footsteps.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been enjoying his coaching free agency tour, making stops in Pittsburgh<\/a> and Baltimore to interview for head coaching vacancies left by two NFL legends.<\/p>\n He even looked around at possible defensive coordinator jobs, outside of Minnesota. During Flores\u2019 trip around the Coaching Carousel this offseason, MN Vikings head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell remained confident <\/a>that his DC would return, should he not find a head coaching job elsewhere.<\/p>\n Brian Flores extension means everything to Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n On Wednesday night, he was proven right when Brian Flores signed an extension to remain Vikings defensive coordinator in 2026 and beyond<\/a>, barring he doesn\u2019t land a head coaching job this offseason or into the future.<\/p>\n FLO!!!<\/p>\n The #Vikings<\/a> have signed Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores to a contract extension. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf0: https:\/\/t.co\/vQOhYZmNq6<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LncdfXrgze<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 22, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Assuming Flores indeed returns in 2026, the Minnesota Vikings defense should remain one of the league\u2019s best. It would also open the window for a Harrison Smith encore season, even if it\u2019s just a sliver.<\/p>\n That\u2019s all music to the ears of Kevin O\u2019Connell, who knows how crucial Brian Flores is to Minnesota Vikings success in the near future. Having him on staff allows KOC to solely focus on offense, not to mention the experience and insight B-Flo brings to his young head coach.<\/p>\n The 44-year-old<\/a> defensive genius is the gold standard when it comes to identifying and developing talent, which is probably the underrated side of what makes Flores a great coach, given how ballyhooed his scheme is.<\/p>\n Brian Flores nomination for assistant coach of the year<\/p>\n Other organizations may not want his past head coaching baggage (or so we hope), but those connected around league are keenly aware of just how special Brian Flores is as a defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why, on Thursday morning, the Vikings\u2019 third-year assistant was nominated as one of five finalists for 2025 AP (media) Assistant Coach of the Year, after Minnesota\u2019s defense somehow drug it\u2019s lifeless offense to a 9-8 regular season record.<\/p>\n The finalists for AP Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year! #NFLHonors<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LHoxHUddFm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Flores is one of three defensive coordinators under consideration (along with Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph). Former MN Vikings assistant and current Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak<\/a>, is also a finalist.<\/p>\n Brian Flores\u2019 2025 Vikings defense finished 3rd this season, in yards allowed<\/a>, 7th in points and 10th in takeaways. In last year\u2019s ACOTY voting, B-Flo finished second, behind then-Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.<\/p>\n We will find out if he can take home the 2025 trophy on February 5, during the annual NFL Honors ceremony.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Brian Flores<\/a> NFL Honors<\/a> <\/p>\n More About: Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google. \t\t\t![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/google_preferred_source_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
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