Top 5 defensive coordinator options for the Minnesota Vikings

1. Brian Flores

While O’Connell certainly proved an ability to lead in a successful first season as head coach, bringing in Flores would only solidify the leadership of the Vikings’ staff. Not only is he a strong leader of men, but he is a tremendous defensive mind as well. Flores brings a Super Bowl-winning pedigree with him as he spent 11 years with the Patriots from 2008-2018, coaching safeties and linebackers while also serving as a defensive assistant, and even working on offense and special teams early in his tenure. His success earned him a head-coaching job with the Dolphins where Flores exceeded expectations by most measures. While he was surprisingly let go following the 2021 season, Flores landed in a perfect rebound spot, serving as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach on Mike Tomlin’s Steelers staff. Flores’ lawsuit with the NFL is something to keep in mind, but he has already been rumored for several coordinator and even head-coaching jobs over the past few weeks. Bringing in the 41-year-old Flores would again give the Vikings a young, fresh look on defense, and he could be the perfect complement to O’Connell’s control of the Minnesota offense.