Brian Flores‘ first head coaching opportunity came with the Dolphins and lasted three seasons. Since his dismissal in 2021, his oft-discussed NFL experience has resulted in several interviews but no HC gigs as of yet. The 2025 cycle marks the next time in which that could change. 
When speaking about his situation on Tuesday, Flores made his intentions clear with respect to the upcoming interview process. The Vikings defensive coordinator said he will meet with every team which submits an interview request. So far, the Bears and Jets have done so; in the wake of the Raiders’ decision to fire Antonio Pierce, there are now four other head coaching vacancies around the league.
“It’s an honor, certainly, that I definitely don’t take that lightly,” Flores said about head coaching interviews (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “I look forward to having those conversations and talking to people about my football journey, my leadership journey.”
As his racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and several teams continues to work its way through court, Flores again finds himself in position to speak with suitors for a second HC opportunity. The 43-year-old worked on the Steelers’ staff in 2022 before taking his current position at the helm of Minnesota’s defense. The unit ranked fifth in points allowed this year, while leading the league in interceptions and finishing fifth in sacks. That success has yielded continued interest in the 2025 cycle, although Flores declined to say if he feels his upcoming interviews are set up merely to satisfy the Rooney Rule.
In any case, at least one of the vacancies Flores has not yet been connected to has his attention. The former Patriots staffer indicated he is interested in New England’s vacancy, one which opened on Sunday with Jerod Mayo‘s firing. The former Patriots linebacker was dismissed after one year in charge, and another ex-player (Mike Vrabel) is seen as the top candidate to replace him. Flores joined New England’s staff as a scouting assistant in 2004, and his tenure with the organization included working on special teams and defense through the 2018 season.
“I mean, we’re talking about going home where it all started,” Flores said when asked about potentially interviewing with the Patriots. “So I think that’s a place that’s definitely a special place… So I would say yes [to speaking with the team]. But at the same time, it’s not up to me as to whether or not they would want to talk to me or anything like that.”
Flores’ Dolphins tenure began with a 5-11 season, and it was followed by 10-6 and 9-8 campaigns. His handling of many Miami players – including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa – has been a frequent talking point, along with clashes with general manager Chris Grier. A fresh start remains his goal, though, and it will be interesting to see if the current hiring cycle produces a long list of suitors.
Well of course he is going to interview with as many teams as possible. More teams for him to sue.
Have you read the complaint?
Why would you interview this guy? There’s a good chance you get sued if you don’t hire him.
And then there’s a good chance you get sued if you do hire him when he is inevitably fired (as nearly all head coaches are eventually).
People act like Flores is some liability to any team he even talks to, but he didn’t have any trouble with the Steelers or Vikings, where he’s been one of the best coordinators in football. The Dolphins 100% tried to tank and the Texans, in their rock bottom of chaos, were about to hire a Josh McCown who had never coached before to be their HC before they felt the PR fire and hired two straight one-and-done coaches. Flores hasn’t had any trouble with actual functional organizations. He’s only 43, he’s done a fantastic job this year, and he had two straight winning seasons after a scorched earth teardown at his last head coaching job. He’s obviously a good head coach candidate.
So there’s a 50/50 chance you get sued.
Hahaha good one, Ron!
Well… if someone reaches out to Lefty…I will return all calls
He should be on the top of the Saints list
ITS A TRAP!
Uhh I’m pretty sure that isn’t Flores in the picture…
Even outside of football I’ve never understood how someone benefits by refusing an interview.