Brian Flores isn't going anywhere. Not as a defensive coordinator, anyway. The former Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach, a candidate to replace Mike Tomlin , signed a new contract to remain the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator on Wednesday night.
"The Vikings have signed defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a new contract, sources tell me and @RapSheet," NFL insider Tom Pelissero wrote on X. "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 was on an expiring contract with the Vikings, leaving him free to do whatever he wanted, including a lateral move that would've landed him as a defensive coordinator elsewhere. Even with signing the new deal, Flores is allowed to take a head coaching job, which is a promotion.
Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Brian Flores on Aug. 28, 2022. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers interviewed Flores in person on Tuesday.
Flores has designed the Vikings' defense for three seasons. During his tenure, his units have held opponents to 19.2 points per game (second-fewest in the NFL), 5.1 yards per play (fourth-fewest) and 105.4 rushing yards per game (fourth-fewest).
"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," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said in a team statement. "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."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Coaching Target Signs New Deal with Previous Team
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