Flores was introduced as defensive coordinator to the media and fans on Wednesday, and here’s what you need to know.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores takes over the team’s defense at an introductory press conference on February 15th, 2023, in Eagan, Minnesota.
5 Takeaways from Brian Flores’ Intro Press Conference
Flores last had full control of a defense in Miami when he was the head coach of the Dolphins from 2019 to 2021.
You can watch the full press conference here.
1. One Word: Aggression
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores in Miami Gardens, September 15, 2019. © Allen Eyestone via Imagn Content Services, LLC.
Flores opened his Vikings career with one meaningful sentence, “I’m aggressive by nature.”
This factoid was already known about the former Dolphins skipper, but he was not shy — at all — about reaffirming Thursday. The 2022 Vikings were criticized for lack of aggression, so it seems the pendulum has been pulled all the way back to the left with the Flores’ addition.
Flores also exalted his “zero blitz” tendency and sounded damn proud of it.
2. Current ‘Roster Bubble’ Players Could Be Safe
Jul 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) during training camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Asked about the Vikings existing personnel — those still under contract for 2023 — Flores stated, “a lot of players that are here” will fit his scheme.
And that’s a departure from the popular belief that Minnesota will undergo a massive defensive change via personnel in free agency and the NFL Draft.
While some names will likely depart, the ‘bubble players’ like Eric Kendricks, Dalvin Tomlinson, or Patrick Peterson may indeed stay with the Vikings.
3. A Call for Hybrid Defenders
Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine (6) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
A nod to his Belichickian past, Flores touted a desire for defenders who can play multiple positions. In an evolving NFL, this trend is commonplace and will become supersized by Flores and the Vikings.
That’s good news for Lewis Cine and Brian Asamoah, two men with freakish physical tendencies who may be considered undersized for their position.
Moreover, the NFL Draft is 70 days away, and hybrid defenders could be on the menu.
4. A 1-and-Done Season Not Guaranteed
Dec 15, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores talks with an assistant coach during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports.
Reporters asked Flores about the possibility of an exit after just one year because he’ll eventually be coveted again as head coach. He replied, “I’m where my feet are.”
Flores also seemed genuinely excited and flattered to be the Vikings defensive coordinator. His enthusiasm did not scream, “one-year pit stop with the Vikings, baby,” or anything of the sort.
He’ll still get head coaching interest if he fixes the Vikings defense in one year, but he portrayed his role in Minnesota as longer-term than advertised.
5. Super Bowl Stakes Renewed
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell celebrates the win after the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
O’Connell dropped his “championship standard” line while Flores uplifted his motivation with the Vikings — to win a Super Bowl.
If anyone is still on the fence about the 2023 offseason, the Vikings are emphatically not rebuilding, at least not in the vein of a team like the Houston Texans or Chicago Bears.
O’Connell’s and Flores’ words were crystal clear on Wednesday — they want to win a Super Bowl in 2023, not down the road in 2027 or so.