In a few days, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be hosting the New Orleans Saints at Acrisure Stadium, as both teams hope to get themselves back on track after rough starts to the season. Current Steelers' Linebackers Coach Brian Flores will be donning the home team's Black and Gold this Sunday, but next season might find himself in the away team's 'Black and Gold'.
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers Coach Brian Flores at OTAs | Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
On Tuesday, Bleacher Report published an article that included early predictions for what head coaching changes they believe will take place across the NFL for the 2023 season. One of the predictions was that the Saints would move on from current Head Coach Dennis Allen after just one season with the team, and look to hire Flores to assume that role for next season.
For the members of Steeler Nation that don't remember, Flores was on the list of candidates this past off-season to become the team's Head Coach. Below is what was written in the article as it relates to Flores as a reasonable target for the Saints.
"Last offseason, Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis said he was impressed in interviews with now-Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson, Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker Coach Brian Flores and Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn. Pederson was the only one to get a head coaching gig.
Glenn's defense in Detroit has been one of the league's worst. The Steelers haven't been great either, but Flores won't take most of the blame for that as the linebackers coach.
Loomis said Allen would get an interview in part because of his experience as a head coach. In Flores, he would get a candidate with head coaching experience who posted winning seasons in two of his three years with the Miami Dolphins.
Flores' brand of defensive football would give the Saints a new identity as they rebuild from the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era."
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Ultimately this past off-season Flores was passed on for the previously mentioned Allen, who served as the Saints' defensive coordinator for the prior six seasons. Prior to that, Allen was the head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders for just over two seasons, where he collected a record of 8-28. Combine that with the 3-6 mark the Saints have put up this season, and Allen is an uninspiring 11-34 as a head coach. Flores on the other hand was 19-14 through his final two seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers' Brian Flores Will Heave Opportunities Outside Of Pittsburgh
It shouldn't surprise anyone that Flores is already being linked to other potential head coaching jobs around the league. His story is well known about what happened after he was fired from the Dolphins following the 2021 season. If it wasn't for the lawsuits and storylines surrounding Flores, he likely would be a head coach right now somewhere in the league.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made a great decision to hire Flores as an assistant and linebackers coach, as he is one of the best defensive minds around the league. It wasn't just a great decision for Tomlin however. Flores coming to work under Tomlin has quickly rebuilt his reputation around the league, as Tomlin is viewed as one of the best head coaches in the NFL by the majority of people around the NFL.
Steelers' Brian Flores while a member of the Miami Dolphins | Photo Credit: Getty Images
However, even though Flores' reputation is improved, the lawsuits that he has filed are still ongoing. That situation may make it difficult for Flores to find a head coaching job until those are finalized.
When hiring Flores, Tomlin acknowledged it was a great decision, and honestly a very easy decision for him. The only question is, will Flores be with the team for more than one season? Steeler Nation should hope so.
Do you think the Steelers and Tomlin made a good decision in bringing in Flores? Do you think he will receive offers to be a head coach in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
