Commanders are watching the clock on Brian Flores and the door is still open

The Washington Commanders are taking the patient approach to finding their next defensive coordinator. This has inevitably led to speculation that head coach Dan Quinn has set his sights on someone potentially still involved in the head-coaching cycle.

Quinn has connections to Raheem Morris, who remains in contention for the Arizona Cardinals' gig. On the more ambitious side is Brian Flores, whom the Commanders brought in for an interview before his head-coach conversations with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.

Flores heard Quinn out. He's also connected to general manager Adam Peters from their time together on the New England Patriots. For the Commanders, it's a waiting game, and the Minnesota Vikings are highly confident of keeping him around as defensive coordinator if he fails to secure a second chance at a top job.

Brian Mitchell wants Commanders to hold firm until Brian Flores' future becomes clear

However, one team legend believes that if there is even the slightest chance of securing Flores' services, the Commanders have to stay the course.

Brian Mitchell, a former All-Pro kick returner turned 106.7 The Fan radio co-host, thought that the Commanders should turn to other options if Flores has given them an indication he won't come. But if not, Washington must move heaven and earth to get him into the building, regardless of how unlikely it might be.

"The question I ask is this... Brian Flores hasn't said that he's going back to Minnesota, right? Nothing has been announced with that. And I think if you still feel like you have a chance to get him, you wait. If he was off the table, then you have to go and get the next best one out there. The odds may not be very good at this point, but if he hasn't signed back with Minnesota yet, you might have to make it look very lucrative or look better. Assistant head coach, a little bit more chatter, you know what I mean? There's a chance."

Brian Mitchell

This is the definition of shooting for the stars. But considering how much is on the line for Quinn during his third season in Washington, this could be the sort of bold move that finally helps the defense take off.

Giving Flores full defensive control and a say in all strategic matters as an assistant head coach would be a strong starting point. Letting him mold the defense with a strong influence on personnel is another. After that, the Commanders need to throw as much money as it would take to seal the deal.

After all, the time for half-measures is over.

The Commanders are clearly waiting for something. It might be Flores or someone else, but Quinn cannot be the one left without when it's all said and done.

This simply cannot happen, given that his own job prospects are becoming increasingly precarious.