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Vikings Assistant Up for Significant Honor
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- Vikings Assistant Up for Significant Honor
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This offseason has been a tumultuous one when it comes to Minnesota Vikings assistant coaches. Chris Kuper was shown the door , and it's not a lock that Keith Carter won't follow him .
Brian Flores has remained part of the Vikings plans , but has interviewed elsewhere while rumors swirl . On Wednesday night the team made his return as defensive coordinator semi-official (barring he doesn't land a head coaching job).
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That's certainly a good thing for Kevin O'Connell, because Flores is the gold standard when it comes to orchestrating a defense. The league knows it too.
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Brian Flores gets ACOTY nomination for MN Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings plucked Brian Flores off the scrap heap when the Miami Dolphins sent him packing . He's done an exceptional job as the defensive coordinator, and last season may have been his best yet. Now he's been nominated as a finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
The finalists for AP Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/LHoxHUddFm
— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2026
Flores is one of three defensive coordinators under consideration (with Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph). Former MN Vikings assistant and current Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is a finalist. Josh McDaniels rounds out the group.
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This season, his third with the Vikings, Flores had the defense finish 3rd in yards allowed and 7th in points. They slid from first in 2024, to 10th in 2025 when it comes to takeaways. Still, Flores had the Minnesota Vikings wreaking every bit of havoc he has become synonymous with.
It would be hard to suggest that Flores isn't a frontrunner to bring home the award. He was a strong finalist last season but finished second behind then Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Flores picking up the award this season would be another nice boost to his resume.
Minnesota needs to turn things around on the offensive side of the ball. Bringing Flores back in 2026 means there defense will remain in good hands, regardless of the level that the roster turns over.
Flores will find out if he is taking him the award on February 5, 2026 during the NFL Honors ceremony.
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