Brian Flores said he came to Minnesota to grow. Just don't expect the new Vikings defensive coordinator to put down roots.
In fact, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he knows the best-case scenario in this big-name hire features O'Connell back in front of the cameras introducing another defensive coordinator about this time next year.
That likely would mean the 41-year-old Flores, a Bill Belichick disciple and former Dolphins head coach, was a smashing, zero-blitz-crazed success in 2023 and will be heading elsewhere to restart a potentially promising head coaching career that was unfairly snuffed out by Miami owner Stephen Ross after back-to-back winning seasons in 2020-21.
Knowing that's a realistic expectation assuming the Vikings can match some younger, faster personnel with Flores' aggressive, totally-anti-Ed-Donatell mentality, O'Connell said part of the interview process involved him getting comfortable with knowing Flores is comfortable identifying and grooming a strong in-house candidate to replace him sooner than later, if necessary.
Sounds like Flores passed that part of the exam.
He said during his introductory news conference Wednesday that he's "a teacher" at heart. Just like his wife, Jenny, a Spanish teacher. Together, they're always discussing new teaching methods, starting with how to raise daughter Liliana, 6, and sons Miles, 10, and Max, 9, and including Jenny's students and Brian's players and up-and-coming position coaches.
"I've always tried to help younger coaches to basically improve and get better," Flores said when asked if he'll designate an heir apparent after the defensive staff is finalized. "[I say] 'Here are some things you can get better at. If your goals are to do this, here are some of things you should be doing.' That won't change."
As for who that heir apparent will be, well, it's still too early to tell. Flores still has a ways to go to finalize his defensive staff.