Vikings' Brian Flores Interested in Patriots HC Job amid Mike Vrabel Rumors

Featured Columnist IVJanuary 7, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior to a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)

Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Count Brian Flores among those potentially willing to become the next head coach of the New England Patriots.

The Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator was asked if he had interest in the position ahead of this weekend's Wild Card Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and told reporters, "I would say yes," though he added, "it's not up to me."

The Patriots have already begun their coaching search in earnest, with a number of big names either agreeing to interviews or with New England putting forward requests to interview them:

Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero
That's two head coaching interviews today for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a>: Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich. <br><br>The only current NFL assistant coach they're known to have requested is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lions</a> OC Ben Johnson, while Mike Vrabel is free to interview anytime … <a href="https://t.co/H7j7B5eoPy">https://t.co/H7j7B5eoPy</a>

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> have requested permission to speak with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lions</a> OC Ben Johnson, source said. Add them to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a>. He has a window from Thursday to Saturday, all virtual.

There is also the expectation that Mike Vrabel—who spent eight seasons with the Patriots as a player—will be among the top candidates, if not the favorite for the gig:

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
While many assume New England will be his eventual landing spot, Mike Vrabel will go through the process. Jets first, now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/Z8XkGzBD84">https://t.co/Z8XkGzBD84</a>

As for Flores, the 43-year-old spent three seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins between 2019-21, going 24-25, though he never led the organization to the playoffs.

He's had more success as a defensive coordinator for the Vikings in the past two seasons and the team finished fifth in the NFL in points allowed (19.5 PPG) in 2024.

Dane Mizutani @DaneMizutani
Brian Flores took questions about the potential of interviewing to be a head coach. Very thoughtful in every response. <br><br>He said he plans on taking every interview at his disposal. He also made it clear that it would have to be the right fit for him to leave the Vikings.

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The Patriots, meanwhile, have not recovered from the breakup of the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick partnership back in 2020. Since then, the team is 33-51, and in Jerod Mayo's lone year at the helm the Pats went just 4-13. In his defense, the team also had an identical record in Belichick's final season in charge.

The team is still recovering from the questionable personnel decisions in the later years of the Belichick era, though one of the appealing aspects of New England's coaching vacancy is the presence of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He impressed in 2024 (2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns 10 interceptions, 66.6 completion percentage, 421 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns) despite a lack of impactful weapons around him.

The Patriots have to completely retool their roster, though it appears they have their quarterback. Flores, or any other coaching candidate, will have to accept that New England is facing a major talent deficiency and requires a complete rebuild.

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