The Minnesota Vikings could be on the verge of losing a prominent coach with two reported interviews lined up for him. Moreover, with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ uncertain future, Minnesota could lose two key people on its defensive coaching staff.
On Jan. 8, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the New York Jets have requested to interview Vikings passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position.
Furthermore, this news comes after Todd Archer, who covers the Dallas Cowboys for ESPN, reported on Jan. 8, citing multiple sources, that the Cowboys have requested permission to speak with Jones for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
Jones isn’t alone on the list of candidates Dallas reportedly wants to speak to, as Denver Broncos assistant head coach and pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard and Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda are also on the list.
Moreover, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert added to the initial report that Jones would be on a very short list to replace Flores as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator if Flores departs.
What’s the latest on Brian Flores’ Vikings Future
Losing Jones wouldn’t be a significant hit if the Vikings can keep Flores as their defensive coordinator. Nonetheless, if Jones is offered the Jets or Cowboys defensive coordinator role before Flores makes any decision on his future, it would put Minnesota in a tough spot.
With Flores looking at all his options, NFL insider Tom Pelissero made a Jan. 8 appearance on KFAN1003 and shared the latest on what he is hearing on the defensive coordinator and whether a return to the Vikings is possible.
“In terms of Flo’s contract, I don’t get the sense that that’s on the front burner [with the Vikings], because he’s focused right now on what head coaching opportunities potentially could be out there,” Pelissero said.
“Once you get past that, let’s see exactly how some of those other dominoes fall. Is it in play for Flo to potentially come back? Yes. But there’s a lot of other interest, I would tell you that, in terms of defensive coordinator, if there’s not a head coaching opportunity out there.”
Flores has an interview for the head coaching job with the Baltimore Ravens, potentially to replace John Harbaugh, who was fired this week. Moreover, Albert Breer of SI.com reported on Jan. 8, citing a source, that Flores’ interview with the Ravens will happen next week.
Vikings Want Brian Flores Back as Its Defensive Coordinator
On Dec. 28, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke with reporters and shared his thoughts on Flores’ future.
“We have [had contract extension talks]; it goes back a long way before those reports,” O’Connell told reporters. “We’ve had recent [and] very good dialogue. Flo knows I love him. He was the guy three years ago that I identified to bring in here, and the growth, and just our relationship, and what he’s meant to me personally is so massive.
“That’s not even taken into account what he’s been able to do defensively for our team and been such a huge part of helping us daily, minute to minute, weather the different storms we had to navigate this year. Things are in a really positive place right now. I absolutely want Brian Flores to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings as long as we can have him.”
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