The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of work to do this offseason when it comes to taking a step forward in 2026. The team’s first order of business involves keeping its coaching staff intact, and it took a big step towards accomplishing that goal when it signed defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a new contract earlier this week.
Despite having a new deal in place, Flores is still a candidate for several head coach openings. Should he land a head coach job, that would essentially render his new contract with Minnesota null-and-void. However, recently retired Vikings coach Mike Pettine offered some comments on Flores that could dissuade teams from hiring him.
Former Vikings Coach Mike Pettine Airs Out Brian Flores
Q: What are your thoughts on Brian Flores?
A: “Probably not many that I would prefer to share…”
(via @ultCLEsports)
After spending stints with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Green Bay Packers as their defensive coordinator, while also briefly being the Cleveland Browns head coach for two seasons, Pettine spent the past four years with the Vikings. Pettine worked as an assistant head coach all four years, while also working as the outside linebackers coach in 2024 and 2025.
Early in the offseason, Pettine curiously retired from coaching, despite being only 59 years old. Chances are, he will return to coaching at some point in the future, but it seemed like there may have been an issue bubbling under the surface that led to his departure. As it turns out, it appears he and Flores weren’t exactly the best of friends.
Flores has built a reputation for being very hard on his players, and his strong-willed attitude extends to his interactions with his fellow coaches. As noted above, Flores is looking to earn one of the various head coach openings across the NFL, but based on Pettine’s recent comments about him, it doesn’t seem like he thinks Minnesota’s defensive coordinator should land one of those gigs.
“Probably not many that I would prefer to share,” Pettine said when asked about Flores on “Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.” “We didn’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, and that’s why I spent this past year on offense … I’ll take the high road on that one.”
Brian Flores Appears Likely to Remain with Vikings in 2026
GettyPittsburgh Steelers head coach candidate Brian Flores signed a contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings according to multiple NFL insiders.
Even before Pettine’s comments, it seemed more likely that Flores would be sticking with Minnesota for the 2026 campaign. While he is a top candidate for several openings, it seems like clear frontrunners have emerged for the jobs for which Flores is in the running, and he isn’t one of those names. As a result, signing a new deal with the Vikings was likely done for good reason.
This continues a concerning trend regarding Flores’ coaching style, though, as several folks have taken issue with his methods. The results are tough to argue with, but it’s fair to wonder if the way Flores treats the people he works with will prevent him from getting the promotion he currently desires. Flores could still land a head coach job, but it seems more and more likely he will remain with Minnesota for at least one more season.
Former Vikings Coach Throws Shade at Brian Flores Amid Head Coach Pursuit