Brian Flores signs extension with Vikings, ‘still a candidate’ for Steelers, Ravens

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores signed a contract extension with Minnesota, the team announced Wednesday. However, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the coach remains a candidate in the Steelers and Ravens’ head coaching searches.

Flores’ previous contract had expired with the Vikings, and his new one is contingent on him not accepting a head coaching job elsewhere.

Flores had an in-person interview with the Steelers on Tuesday; he interviewed with Baltimore Jan. 13.

The Vikings extending Flores can be read a few ways: Minnesota doing everything it can to retain one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, Flores gaining some leverage and ensuring he has a backup plan if he doesn’t land a head coaching job, or writing on the wall that Baltimore and Pittsburgh are likely to hire someone else in their coaching searches.

In 2025, Flores’ Vikings defense finished seventh-best in EPA per play and points per game, second in yards per game allowed, and 21st in rush yards per game.

Both Flores and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver have interviewed twice with the Steelers. Former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy had an in-person interview with the team on Wednesday.

The Rams’ Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase, also candidates in the Steelers’ head coaching search, have interviewed virtually with the team but cannot do so in person until after the NFC Championship game.