The Minnesota Vikings have secured their defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, with a contract extension, as announced on January 21st. This agreement solidifies Flores's position within the organization, at least for now, despite his ongoing candidacy for head coaching roles with other NFL teams. His continued presence is a testament to the remarkable turnaround of the Vikings' defense under his guidance.
Since joining the Vikings as defensive coordinator prior to the 2023 season, the 44-year-old Flores has been instrumental in elevating the team's defensive performance. His previous contract was set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season, making him eligible to explore opportunities with other franchises. However, this new extension signals a strong commitment from both Flores and the Vikings, demonstrating their mutual desire to continue building on their success. The precise duration of this latest contract has not yet been disclosed.
Under Flores's leadership, the Vikings' defense has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from one of the league's weaker units to a formidable force. In 2022, the team ranked a dismal 30th in points allowed per game, conceding an average of 25.1 points. By Flores's inaugural season in 2023, this figure had dramatically improved to 14th in the league, allowing just 21.3 points per game. This upward trajectory continued, with the defense reaching an impressive fifth place in 2024 (19.5 points allowed) and maintaining a strong seventh position in 2025 (19.6 points allowed).
Further illustrating the defense's prowess, the Vikings concluded the 2025 season with elite rankings in key metrics. They finished third in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed, with a formidable -0.087, and an impressive sixth in success rate allowed, at 41.6%. These statistics highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of Flores's defensive schemes.
A particular strength of the Vikings' defense in 2025 was its exceptional pass defense. Flores's unit ranked second across the NFL, surrendering an average of only 158.5 passing yards per game. According to the Vikings' official press release, this marked the lowest average passing yards allowed by a Minnesota defense in a single season since 1989, when they allowed 156.3 yards. The individual talents within the team also flourished under Flores, with three Vikings defenders earning their first Pro Bowl selections in 2025: cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, underscoring the impact of Flores's coaching on player development and recognition.
This extension for Brian Flores signifies the Minnesota Vikings' dedication to maintaining a high-performing defense. His leadership has demonstrably improved the team's defensive metrics, and his continued presence is vital for sustaining this trajectory of success. The agreement also provides stability for the team while allowing Flores the flexibility to pursue head coaching opportunities should they arise.