With Brian Flores on an expiring contract, Week 18 could mark the end of his time with the Vikings. If the team has its way, though, that will not be the case. 
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday conversations have taken place with Flores about his future. He repeated the team’s stance that Minnesota aims to keep Flores in the fold for 2026 and beyond. O’Connell is well aware, however, that head coaching interest is likely during this year’s cycle.
“I know he enjoys being here,” O’Connell said of Flores (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “I know I’m excited about when… hopefully I can come to this podium and say he’s going to be here for as long as we can keep him here before another team makes him their head coach.”
The possibility exists Flores will depart for a different defensive coordinator gig. The Cowboys were named as a potential suitor on that front yesterday. O’Connell said, however, that he does not anticipate such a scenario playing out this winter. Alternatively, a new round of head coaching interest could see Flores land the chance to lead an NFL staff for the second time in his career. O’Connell admitted interest on that front will likely be strong again.
After being fired by the Dolphins, Flores launched a civil suit against the NFL and multiple teams alleging racial discrimination in its hiring practices. Following one year out of coaching, the 44-year-old was hired by O’Connell as part of his initial Vikings staff. Flores has remained with Minnesota since then, and the team’s defense is on track to finish top 10 in points allowed for the second year in a row.
A number of coaches with a defensive background are set to be among the top candidates for the 2026 hiring cycle. That will include Flores, who met with three teams last winter about their HC spot but did not receive any offers. That could change soon but if not, he will be welcomed back to Minnesota.
“Yeah, things are in a really positive place right now,” O’Connell added. “I absolutely want Brian Flores to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings as long as we can have him.”