The Vikings’ Coaching Mystery Has Shrunk Down to 1 Issue

In the NFL, money reigns.

The Vikings’ coaching mystery going into 2026 rests in whether defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going to stick around (a different coach earned a promotion to head elsewhere). Minnesota’s desire is to retain him, but there has been ample discussion about how he’s not under contract for next season. Did Coach Flores hint at the hangup while chatting with the media earlier in the week?

The Vikings’ Coaching Mystery & Brian Flores in 2026

As per usual, Coach Flores articulated his desire to keep the focus on the players and what the team is accomplishing. But while that was his self-stated priority, some morsels did drop from the table.

For starters, there was a confirmation that he enjoys working alongside head coach Kevin O’Connell. So, too, does his family enjoy living in Minnesota (that’s a major factor). Goodness, there was even explanation of the football end of things being excellent. The defense is at a point where the DC can communicate in a sophisticated manner and the players can keep up, a reality that flows over from the years of continuity.

If all of those things are promising, then why hasn’t Brian Flores written “Brian Flores” on a new contract to continue coaching in Minnesota?

Kick it over to the man himself for his vague — but revealing — reflection: “If everything lines up and it fits. From a football standpoint, it fits. And I think there’s always a…let’s call it a business part of this. And the football all lines up. And we’ll just see where it all goes.”

Do note, folks, that the reflection on arriving at a business fit comes after praising Minnesota, Kevin O’Connell, the Wilfs. the players, and the other coaches. What does that leave apart from the contract? What’s most important within a contract but the money?

Of course, there’s a key caveat: the opportunity to become a head coach.

Flores has previously said that he wants to become a head coach yet again. Personal ambition is built into almost every successful coach, meaning there are a pile who want to earn one of those top jobs. Minnesota’s defensive tactician has more than earned another shot at being the top leader for an NFL franchise.

A factor working in Minnesota’s favor is the ongoing effort to give the chef the ingredients that he requests. Signing free agents such as corner Isaiah Rodgers and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel were all about Flores.

GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has done a poor job of drafting overall, but several of his draftees are helping on defense. Safety Jay Ward, edge rusher Dallas Turner, and defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez have all done good things in 2025.

Also working out well for Flores is the amount of autonomy he has over the defense. Highly competent people hate being micromanaged. O’Connell is wise to give Brian Flores full authority of the defense.

But then there’s that stubborn extra factor: the business side.

Now, there’s more to a contract than just total compensation. Brian Flores deserves to be paid top dollar. Presumably, the amount of zeros isn’t an issue. Is there something else within the contract that’s working as an issue?

Before moving to Atlanta, Kirk Cousins offered some quips about the structure of a contract being everything surrounding the financial compensation. Is there a coaching equivalent? Think total years, guaranteed money, and so on. Another factor could be taking on an extra title, such as being the assistant head coach. What about having the authority to hire his own assistants? Some other enigma that’s not as obvious?

Whatever the issue, Brian Flores is proceeding into Week 18 with his next deal undone, prompting him to defer to his representation as he navigates an uncertain future. Best guess is that he remains, but there will be some jitters in Minnesota until ink is on the page.

Brian Flores is going to be sought after in 2026. At the very least, teams with a vacant defensive coordinator spot will want to bring him to town, but there are some that seem likely to pursue him to become a head coach.

The Vikings currently boast the NFL’s 10th-ranked defense per points allowed.