Steelers To Meet With Ex-Patriots Coordinator About Head Coach Job
He's been a head coach before ...
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers are scheduled to meet this week with former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores about Pittsburgh’s head coaching vacancy, following Mike Tomlin‘s decision to step down.
Flores has built a respected NFL coaching career marked by defensive innovation and steady progress. He began with the Patriots from 2008 to 2018, rising from special teams assistant to linebackers coach under Bill Belichick, contributing to multiple Super Bowl-winning staffs.
Flores earned his first head coaching role with the Miami Dolphins (2019–2021), posting a 24-25 record while transforming their defense from league-worst to consistent top-10 unit in key metrics.
After a brief stint as senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach with the Steelers in 2022, Flores joined the Minnesota Vikings as defensive coordinator in 2023. In his three seasons there, he has elevated the unit dramatically, producing top-tier performances through aggressive blitzing, disguised coverages, and high pressure rates.
In 2025, despite the Vikings finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs amid offensive struggles, Flores’ defense ranked among the NFL’s elite: No. 5 in total defense, No. 3 against the pass (158.5 yards per game allowed), tied for fourth in sacks (49), and strong in red-zone efficiency. The unit delivered consistent stops, including a notable stretch without allowing passing touchdowns.
Flores is a prime head coaching candidate, although Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed interest in retaining him aggressively for 2026.
