Brian Flores HC Interview Requested By Jaguars amid Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel Rumors

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 9, 2025

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The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they have requested an interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their head coaching position.

That news follows the Jags’ announcement on Wednesday morning regarding interview requests for other potential head coaches, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Jacksonville Jaguars @JaguarsWe have requested to interview the following candidates for our Head Coach vacancy. pic.twitter.com/pYHk3LnUjI

ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously mentioned on Wednesday that Johnson, Glenn and ex-Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel were “expected” to be on the team’s interview wish list.

Flores has been the Vikings’ defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. This year, Minnesota allowed the fifth-fewest points in football en route to finishing 14-3. The Vikings’ defense made plays all year, amassing 49 sacks and 24 interceptions. Naturally, that performance has put Flores on the map in this year’s coaching cycle.

The 43-year-old Flores coached for the New England Patriots from 2008-2018, winning three Super Bowls. He served as the team’s linebackers coach from 2016-2018 and their defensive playcaller in 2018, which ended with the team winning Super Bowl LIII by a 13-3 score over the Los Angeles Rams.

Flores then left for the Miami Dolphins to be their head coach. The team went 24-25 under his watch, earning back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2002 and 2003. However, the team parted ways with Flores after Miami’s 9-8 campaign in 2021.

Flores served as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach in 2022 before moving to Minnesota for the defensive coordinator gig.

Jacksonville is looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Doug Pederson following three seasons. The Jags went 4-13 this past year and finished bottom seven in both scoring and points allowed. There’s talent on both sides of the ball, namely quarterback Trevor Lawrence and pass-rusher Josh Allen as the cornerstones. But it’s clear a lot of work needs to be done in town after the team dropped down the standings following back-to-back nine-win seasons.

Perhaps Flores is the answer in Duval County, although it’s clear the Jags are casting a wide net in search of their new leader.