New MN Vikings DC Candidate Emerges
`There is very clearly something going on behind the scenes for the Minnesota Vikings . Of course that is always likely to be the case, but this directly involves defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He has no contract for the 2026 season, and has interviewed for both head coaching and defensive coordinator positions .
It seems logical to suggest that the two parties are moving towards a split. If and when that happens, Minnesota will need to replace a key figure on the coaching staff. Thankfully there is already a logical candidate that could quickly step in.
Minnesota Vikings could target Raheem Morris
Brian Flores has risen to stardom among defensive coordinators. His MN Vikings scheme is largely why the team finished with a 9-8 record despite poor quarterback play. Replacing him may be tough, but Alec Lewis (The Athletic) sees Raheem Morris as a potential candidate to do so.
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Morris would definitely be in play. As you mentioned, he and O’Connell worked together with the Rams in 2021. Morris was most recently the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who drastically improved their defense this season (from 30th in DVOA in 2024 to 15th in 2025) with the addition of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator.
Morris is charismatic. He has relationships with some of the Vikings’ other defensive coaches, too. The fit makes sense. But there’s one important question to consider: How much of a role did he play in the defensive improvement in Atlanta, compared to Ulbrich’s influence on the schematic shifts and play calling?
The fact that Morris worked alongside O’Connell is a good starting point. As Lewis points out though, head coaches and their involvement rather than delegation is always something to consider.
For example, Kevin O’Connell is both the head coach and offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Morris helped to right the ship for the Falcons, but he may not have been directly influencing all of it.
While O’Connell has been unwilling to give up offensive playcalling duties, he absolutely cannot speak into the defense. That coordinator must both be autonomous and at a level that can directly prop up the rest of the team.
Defensive improvements notable for MN Vikings
Prior to Brian Flores joining the Minnesota Vikings, the defense was in shambles. Ed Donatell’s crash out quite literally earned Daniel Jones a payday from the New York Giants . From 2020 through 2022 , Minnesota owned a bottom-five defensive unit when it came to both points and yardage.
Flores, over his three seasons with the Vikings, has pushed things forward each season. After owning the 5th-best defense in terms of points allowed during 2024 , Flores pushed the group into the top ten in multiple categories. That output is again having him considered in this coaching cycle.
Minnesota can’t afford to let one area slip as they attempt to get over the hump. Kevin O’Connell is still seeking his first playoff win, and keeping the side of the ball in which he doesn’t focus dialed in is a must.
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