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MN Vikings DC Lands Callback Interview for Dream Job
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- MN Vikings DC Lands Callback Interview for Dream Job
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Last season Brian Flores had plenty of interest during the coaching carousel but wound up back in Minnesota . This time around the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator has experienced more of a slow burn, but he has built momentum in certain spots .
No longer under contract with the Vikings, there is some uncertainty regarding their desires to keep him as the defensive coordinator. Despite a belief that they could bring him back , a financial commitment right now is all it would take.
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While he continues to interview for other roles, he's now being circled by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a replacement of legacy coach Mike Tomlin.
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Pittsburgh Steelers talking with Minnesota Vikings DC again
After 19 seasons leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin stepped down after their playoff loss. The organization is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement, and it appears they have significant interest in Brian Flores.
Steelers will talk to former Packers coach Mike McCarthy and have a second in-person interview with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores this week as they search for Mike Tomlin's replacement, per sources.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 18, 2026
Each team is required to interview a minority candidate for open head coach positions to satisfy the Rooney Rule . With Flores having already interviews in Pittsburgh, a second round is not necessary unless the interest is genuine.
This would be a full-circle moment for Flores and the Minnesota Vikings. In 2006, the final season before Tomlin was hired by the Steelers, he was the defensive coordinator for the Vikings. Flores has assumed that role for the past three years , and has not hidden his desire to return to a leading role.
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If hired, Flores would be a head coach again for the first time since 2021 with the Miami Dolphins . He held that post for three seasons, and aired grievances that ultimately have turned into a lawsuit after his departure.
The Steelers also targeting former Green Bay Packers head coach is not inconsequential. He knows Aaron Rodgers well. Pittsburgh employed the future Hall of Famer this season and his future remains uncertain. Maybe McCarthy can use him as a bridge while building the Steelers back up for the future.
Brian Flores departure would change things for MN Vikings
Whether Flores lands a head coaching job, or one of the defensive coordinator openings he has interviewed for , the MN Vikings have to pivot. There is enough smoke at this point to suggest it's very real Flores is ready to move on from the organization.
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If he does, then the Vikings will be tasked with finding someone who can continue his defensive excellence. A straightforward fit comes in the form of fired Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morri s. He worked with Kevin O'Connell in Los Angeles .
No matter what sort of talent Minnesota lands, O'Connell needs them to prop up the other side of the football. His offense was lackluster in 2025, and a defensive stepback in 2026 will only hurt the overall output .
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