The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for a new head coach for the first time since 2007 after Mike Tomlin stepped down following 19 seasons in charge. The team has already requested and completed interviews with several coordinators and former head coaches, including Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. Many fans and analysts believe Flores would be an ideal fit for the Steelers given his previous experience and strong leadership style. However, one sports writer isn’t convinced it would be the slam-dunk hire some think, arguing that the match may not be as simple as advertised.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores on the sideline.
Flores has spent the past three seasons working in Minnesota, continuing to build his reputation as one of the league’s more respected defensive minds. Before that, he spent the 2022 season in Pittsburgh as the senior defensive assistant & linebackers coach. He also brings head coaching experience to the table, having led the Miami Dolphins for three seasons from 2019 through 2021.
Because of his resume and the respect he’s earned around the league, Flores’ name often surfaces whenever coaching changes start happening. He’s been viewed as a potential head coach before, but interestingly, the Steelers are one of the few teams that have actually brought him in to interview for their top job.
Most other organizations showing interest see him more as a high-end defensive coordinator rather than handing him the entire operation. So while he remains a familiar name in the coaching rumor mill, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini suggests his next major opportunity might not end up being in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Brian Flores and Mike Tomlin meet postgame following a 2019 matchup between the Steelers and the Dolphins.
Russini made a guest appearance on Wake Up Barstool recently, and when asked whether she viewed Flores as a legitimate option for the Steelers’ opening, she said she doesn’t see it happening.
"I don't know. I don't think so. I lean towards no," Russini said. "But I could also see Brian Flores going in there and just pointing to what he's been able to do with that Vikings defense."
The Vikings had one of the best defenses in the league during the 2025 season. Minnesota ranked seventh in points allowed, third in yards allowed, and tenth in takeaways.
Pittsburgh had the opportunity to keep Flores in the Steel City following his one year on the staff. Instead, the team decided to keep Teryl Austin as defensive coordinator, and Flores then made his way to Minnesota.
That move sparked some debate among fans who wondered if the Steelers might have missed an opportunity to retain a coach who already had familiarity with the locker room and a clear understanding of the organization’s culture. Now, with a head coaching vacancy, Flores is back in the conversation, but questions about fit, timing, and whether he aligns with the Steelers’ long-term vision remain.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores stands on the field as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Even with those uncertainties, it’s clear that Flores is highly respected by players and peers alike. His leadership style, attention to detail, and defensive acumen make him an intriguing candidate for any team, and Pittsburgh’s willingness to interview him signals they are serious about exploring every possible option before making a decision that will shape the franchise for years to come.
Steelers Expected To Lean Towards A Defensive Hire
Flores is one of a handful of defensive-minded head coaching candidates that the Steelers have shown interest in so far. With their long history of hiring coaches with defensive backgrounds and the clear attention they’ve already given to candidates like him, it seems increasingly likely that Pittsburgh could continue that trend.
Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin all built their careers on defensive expertise, shaping the identity of the team for decades. If the Steelers decide to prioritize a defensive-minded leader once again, Flores would make a lot of sense as their next head coach.
Do you want to see the Steelers hire another defensive guy like Flores? Or should they shift gears and go offensive? Let us know in the comments!
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