Update: Since this article was published, the Minnesota Vikings have signed Brian Flores to a contract extension, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Flores is still a candidate for multiple head-coaching jobs, but if he doesn't land one, he will return to Minnesota.
Original story starts here:
With Jeff Hafley recently being named the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, the Green Bay Packers are obviously in search of a new defensive coordinator.
And several names have already been thrown into the mix, a list that includes former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon (who seems to be a divisive option), former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Denver Broncos assistant head coach/defensive pass game coordinator (and Wisconsin native) Jim Leonhard, and Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, among others.
Now, Jones may not be the most well-known name of the bunch, but he's become quite a popular choice. And Cheeseheads everywhere certainly wouldn't mind a move that makes Minnesota weaker. That said, however, if the Packers could somehow swing bringing in a different Vikings coach—well, make that an ex-Vikings coach as it stands at the moment—they could genuinely shake up the NFC North something fierce.
And that coach, of course, is Brian Flores.
The Packers could conceivably target Brian Flores to be their new defensive coordinator
Now, for those unaware, the reason it's okay to call Flores the ex-Vikings defensive coordinator at this point is because his contract officially expired on January 14, meaning none of the teams vying for his services had to get Minnesota's permission to speak to him.
And make no mistake about it; Flores, who spent three seasons as the Dolphins' head coach before spending the last three as the Vikings' DC, has plenty of suitors and is currently being considered for the top job with both the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, the 44-year-old also appears open to making a lateral move, as he reportedly interviewed last week for the open defensive coordinator position with the Washington Commanders. One can only assume the Dallas Cowboys would be very interested as well after firing Matt Eberflus two days after the regular season concluded.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has remained upbeat about Flores returning to Minnesota on a new deal if he fails to land a head coaching gig. But ESPN's Rob Demovsky is of the opinion that the Packers could make a play as well.
"LaFleur also could try to lure Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores from Minnesota," Demovsky wrote. "Flores is not under contract for 2026 and has interviewed for head coaching jobs and at least one other defensive coordinator opening. Flores was one of the front-runners to become the Packers' head coach in 2019, a source said, before LaFleur got the job."
The Vikings ranked third in total defense during the 2025 season, surrendering just 282.6 yards per game, and seventh in scoring, allowing 19.6 points per contest. Add that to his prior resume, and it's clear to see why Flores has as many options at his disposal as he does.
Now, we just wait to see if the Packers can pull off another heist.