Brian Flores landed a new NFL job after the 2022 season ended, and he has two of his old Patriots pals to thank in part.
After one season as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Steelers, Flores left Pittsburgh to become the new defensive coordinator in Minnesota. A lousy defense was the main reason the Vikings suffered a first-round playoff exit after a 13-4 season, so it’s telling that Kevin O’Connell has confidence in Flores turning to unit around and making Minnesota a more legitimate Super Bowl contender.
While announcing the Flores hire, the Vikings head coach revealed ringing endorsements from Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater and linebackers coach Jerod Mayo played a role in Minnesota appointing its new DC.