Vikings Secure Flores With Extension Amid Coaching Speculation

The Minnesota Vikings have taken a decisive step to secure the future of their defense, announcing on January 21, 2026, that defensive coordinator Brian Flores has signed a contract extension to remain with the team. The move comes after weeks of speculation about Flores’ future, as he has been a hot commodity on the NFL coaching carousel, drawing interest for head coaching vacancies with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. While the length and terms of the new deal have not been disclosed, the Vikings’ message is clear: they want Flores to anchor their defense for at least another season—unless, of course, he’s offered one of those coveted head coaching jobs.

Flores joined the Vikings ahead of the 2023 season and wasted no time in transforming a struggling defense into one of the league’s most formidable units. Minnesota’s defense, which ranked 31st in the NFL at the end of the 2022 season, has steadily climbed the ranks under his guidance. By the close of the 2025 campaign, the Vikings boasted the third-best defense in the league, allowing just 282.6 yards per game—trailing only Houston and Denver. Over the past three seasons, the Vikings limited opponents to 19.2 points per game, the second fewest league-wide, and just 317.1 yards per game, including 5.1 yards per play, which ranked fourth in the NFL.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell could hardly contain his praise for Flores, stating, "Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets, and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field. The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I’ve really valued the relationship we’ve built over the last three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standard will continue to be critical to our success."

The numbers back up O’Connell’s endorsement. In 2025, the Vikings allowed an average of just 158.5 passing yards per game—the second fewest in the NFL behind Buffalo’s 156.9. That mark also stands as the franchise’s best since 1989, when they allowed 156.3 passing yards per game. Minnesota’s run defense has been just as stout, holding opponents to an average of 105.4 rushing yards per game (fifth best) and a league-low 3.9 yards per rush since 2023.

Turnovers have become a calling card for Flores’ defense. Over his first three seasons, the Vikings forced 52 fumbles (second most in the NFL) and racked up 73 defensive takeaways, including 61 fumble recoveries and 43 interceptions. In 2024, the Vikings led the NFL in interceptions (24), passes defensed (95), opponent fourth-down conversion percentage (37.1%), and interceptions per attempt (3.8%). They also tied for the league lead in takeaways (33) despite fielding 14 defenders on the active roster who were in their first season with the team.

Flores’ defensive acumen has also translated to individual accolades for his players. In 2025, three Vikings defenders—cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel—earned Pro Bowl nods for the first time in their careers. Greenard finished with 12 sacks (tied for fifth in the NFL), while Van Ginkel notched 11.5 (tied for eighth) and was named to the AP All-Pro Second Team. Murphy recorded six interceptions in 2024, tied for third most in the league, and became the first Vikings cornerback to tally at least six picks in a season since Jimmy Hitchcock’s seven in 1998.

The Vikings’ improvement under Flores has been dramatic. In 2022, Minnesota ranked 30th in points allowed per game (25.1). That number dropped to 21.3 in 2023 (14th), 19.5 in 2024 (fifth), and 19.6 in 2025 (seventh). The team’s expected points added (EPA) per play allowed was third best in the league in 2025 (-0.087), and their success rate allowed was sixth (41.6%).

In the final eight games of the 2025 season, the Vikings defense allowed just one touchdown pass, a testament to their growth and ability to adjust as the season wore on. They also allowed just 147 plays of 20 or more yards over the past three seasons, the fewest in the NFL during that span. The red zone has been a fortress, with Minnesota allowing just 2.11 yards per play (second fewest in the NFL) and giving up touchdowns on only 42.9% of opponents’ red-zone drives in 2025 (also second lowest).

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Flores. His previous head coaching stint with the Miami Dolphins ended without the success many had hoped for, but his work in Minnesota has restored his reputation as one of the top defensive minds in football. In fact, Flores was a finalist for The Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024, a nod to his impact on the Vikings’ turnaround.

Despite the optimism in Minnesota, uncertainty still lingers. Flores has interviewed twice with the Pittsburgh Steelers and once with the Baltimore Ravens for their head coach vacancies. The Vikings’ front office has made it clear that while they would love to keep Flores, they won’t stand in his way if he’s offered a head coaching gig. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported, “Flores is still a candidate with the Steelers and Ravens head coaching jobs. But if he doesn’t land one of those, he’ll stay in Minnesota.”

Flores also interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Washington Commanders, but that opportunity is now off the table as he’s committed to the Vikings—unless a head coaching offer materializes. With the Ravens and Steelers still in the midst of their searches, it could be another week or so before Flores’ ultimate destination is known.

For now, though, Vikings fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The team has done everything in its power to retain the architect of one of the NFL’s most improved defenses. Should Flores remain in Minnesota, the Vikings will look to build on their defensive success, address key personnel questions, and aim for a return to the playoffs after a 9-8 finish in 2025 that saw them just miss out on postseason action.

As the coaching carousel continues to spin, all eyes in Minnesota—and across the league—will be on Brian Flores. Will he take the reins in Baltimore or Pittsburgh, or will he return to the Vikings’ sideline to lead one of football’s most dynamic defenses? The answer, for now, is still up in the air. But one thing is certain: wherever Flores lands, his impact will be felt.