The Minnesota Vikings are among the teams making heavy strategic changes to their coaching staff. While their defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, was being considered for head coach vacancies across several teams, it seems like he is still not ready for a change. Reports confirmed that the 44-year-old is all set to continue his journey with the Vikings by mutually agreeing to a contract extension.

“The Vikings have signed defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a new contract, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” 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.”

The update further turned official after the team announced on Jan. 21 that he has signed a contract extension to remain the Vikings’ defensive coordinator. The decision came mainly because of the commendable rise that Flores helped the team achieve. In the last three years, the Vikings have allowed only about 19 points per game, which is among the lowest in the league. They also give up very few yards, both through the air and on the ground, and are especially strong against the run.

Showcasing notable confidence in the defensive coordinator’s abilities, the team’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, mentioned how he values his partnership with Flores.

“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,” O’Connell said, per the Vikings’ official website. “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 came as a sigh of relief for the Vikings fans, as it came after he received requests to interview for head coaching jobs with the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears. Fueling the thoughts of a separation, Flores said he plans to take both interviews and is open to talking with any team that wants to discuss a head coaching role. He said he enjoys sharing his football journey and looks forward to having those conversations.

Only Kevin O’Connell can be credited for the efforts he made to retain Flores. Recent conversations have highlighted how the head coach used an aggressive strategy to keep him intact.

Kevin O’Connell admits to being aggressive in retaining Brian Flores

Kevin O’Connell said the Minnesota Vikings have worked hard to keep Brian Flores with the team. The admission came during a season-ending press conference, which also saw O’Connell say that the team wants to support him in exploring another chance to become a head coach. During the allowed window, Flores spoke with the Baltimore Ravens, who recently parted ways with head coach John Harbaugh.

“I think he’s more than deserving, everything he’s brought to our organization over these last three years,” O’Connell said. “Not surprised people are wanting to talk to him about that role. Excited for him to do so, all while knowing our No. 1 priority — really before the season even ended — our No. 1 priority has been to get that thing done with him.”

And all of this has a strong reason. Three Vikings defenders earned major recognition for their strong play in 2025. Outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., were all selected to the 2025 Pro Bowl for the first time in their careers. Greenard finished the season with 12 sacks, while Van Ginkel added 11.5, putting both among the league leaders.

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Murphy stood out in the secondary with six interceptions, one of the highest totals in the NFL, and became the first Vikings cornerback to reach that mark since 1998. Van Ginkel also earned extra honors by being named to the AP All-Pro Second Team.

While Flores is back with the team for another season, it still remains to be seen if the decision was worthy.