𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores have agreed to terms on a new contract, the team announced Wednesday evening. Flores will return in the role for his fourth season with the team — unless he gets a head coaching position elsewhere this cycle.

The news settles one of the Vikings’ major offseason concerns. Flores, 44, has transformed the Minnesota defense with creativity and adaptable schemes over the last three years. His contract expired at the conclusion of the 2025 season, creating some doubt about his future.

This season, the Vikings defense allowed the third-fewest yards per game (282.6) in the NFL, behind only the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.

FLO!!!

The #Vikings have signed Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores to a contract extension.

📰: https://t.co/vQOhYZmNq6 pic.twitter.com/LncdfXrgze

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 22, 2026

Flores being on board for 2026 and beyond establishes both a level of consistency and a baseline of production for a team that expects to return to the playoffs.

“Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a team statement. “The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I’ve really valued the relationship we’ve built over the last three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standard will continue to be critical to our success.”

Flores was hired by O’Connell in 2023 after the firing of former defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. Flores immediately introduced his nontraditional system, which requires versatile defensive linemen and secondary contributors who can play all over the field.

His impact has encompassed everything from play calling to personnel. Opposing coaches have praised him for his in-game adaptability. Meanwhile, the Vikings front office has utilized his former scouting background as a resource in free agency and the NFL Draft.

In the past couple of weeks, Flores has interviewed for multiple positions outside the organization. He met with the Washington Commanders about their defensive coordinator role. He also interviewed for head coaching positions with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. This new contract won’t prohibit him from accepting one of those roles if an offer surfaces. If anything, this deal suggests that O’Connell and the Vikings’ ownership were committed to keeping Flores at the helm of the defense.