When reports surfaced that the Washington Commanders were looking to speak with Brian Flores about their vacant defensive coordinator position, fans were dreaming big. However, the consensus across the league and the media was that this was nothing more than an ambitious pipedream.
Flores was gaining head-coaching interest, interviewing with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday. The Minnesota Vikings are confident they can get him back, with head coach Kevin O'Connell stating that the franchise has been aggressive in putting together a package to keep him around.
Fans weren't holding their breath. But that quickly changed when Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network delivered an update that sent excitement to stratospheric levels.
Commanders managed to secure an interview with Brian Flores after all
Rapoport revealed that Flores is interviewing with the Commanders today (Wednesday). This sent shockwaves through the fan base and at least shows that the aggressive defensive strategist is willing to hear what head coach Dan Quinn has to say. And if Washington's power brokers had any sense, they would not let him leave the building without an agreement in place.
Flores could be exploring his options before deciding on the next step. Speaking to the Commanders one day after visiting the Ravens makes sound geographic sense, but it would also suggest the meeting didn't go particularly well. Nobody knows for sure, but there is a mutual intrigue that both wanted to explore a little further.
There is a long way to go, and nothing is guaranteed. Flores could get a top job somewhere else. He might not like what Quinn has in store, and go back to the Vikings. Another team could also swoop into the mix. And the Commanders may decide the fit isn't right with other candidates under consideration.
It's a wait-and-see scenario. Flores is one of the most respected defensive minds anywhere in the league. This needs a blank check from Josh Harris, who could be the most lucrative non-head-coaching contract in NFL history. The Commanders also need to give him a massive say in defensive personnel before general manager Adam Peters' expected roster overhaul. And Quinn needs to back off, allowing him to run the defense as he sees fit.
This is a fascinating development. Most people scoffed at the notion of Flores taking a lateral move for the Commanders. However, he is willing to listen, which is sometimes the biggest obstacle.
Quinn is well-connected and well-respected. That got Flores into the building, but whether the Commanders' project has enough to make him sign on the dotted line is another matter.
Watch this space...