The Chicago Bears are interviewing Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their vacant head coach position, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
The interview will occur on Saturday after the Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs, making Flores available to meet with interested teams. Flores has been on the Bears’ radar for some time, thanks to his work as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator over the past two seasons.
Under his leadership, the Vikings developed one of the NFL’s top defenses, ranking fifth in scoring defense (19.5 points per game) and tying for fourth in sacks (49). Flores’ blitz-heavy approach also helped Minnesota finish in the top five in rushing yards allowed (93.4 per game) and lead the league in takeaways with 33.
Before his time with the Vikings, Flores was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, where he compiled a 24-25 record. His departure from Miami was contentious, with Flores filing a lawsuit against the NFL for racial discrimination.
The lawsuit also alleged that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross intentionally pressured Flores to lose games in pursuit of higher draft picks. Flores also faced criticism for his relationship with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who stated that Flores frequently undermined him as the team’s starting quarterback.
Despite the controversy surrounding his Miami tenure, the Bears are reportedly interested in Flores’ potential to develop quarterback Caleb Williams and lead the team moving forward. In addition to Flores, the Bears have met with other head coaching candidates, including former Denver Broncos executive David Shaw, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, and former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.
Brian Flores’ connection to Bears GM Ryan Poles, both of whom attended Boston College, could play a significant role in his candidacy.
With the NFL’s coaching carousel in full swing, the Chicago Bears continue to evaluate their options as they look for a head coach capable of guiding the team back to playoff contention.
