The Washington Commanders are reportedly looking to speak with Brian Flores about their vacant defensive coordinator position, according to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network. That sent shockwaves through the fanbase, but whether he'd be receptive to an approach is another matter.
Flores is attracting interest for numerous head-coaching vacancies around the league. He wants — and probably deserves, in all honesty — another shot after how things ended with the Miami Dolphins. If he doesn't do enough, there could be a queue of suitors vying for his services as a defensive coordinator.
His contract with the Minnesota Vikings is up, so Flores is free to speak with whoever he wants. The NFC North club would push hard to keep him around if he doesn't get a head-coaching offer, but he may want to explore other avenues of employment before making a decision one way or another.
Mike Florio pumped the brakes on Brian Flores joining the Commanders
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk told JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan that he isn't surprised that Flores is in line for a lateral move if his interviews for a top job don't go well. However, the insider poured cold water on the Commanders' chances, highlighting the Vikings' confidence in working out another deal with the play-caller when the time comes.
"I’m not surprised by the possibility of a lateral move…I’m told the Vikings are confident he will be back in Minnesota if he doesn’t get a head coaching job."Mike Florio via 106.7 The Fan
The Commanders want to speak with Flores. However, that doesn't mean they will get the chance when push comes to shove.
Other teams will be hot on Flores's trail if he doesn't return to Minnesota. Josh Harris would need to cut a massive check to seal the deal. Head coach Dan Quinn would need to give him complete control of the defensive setup, rather than just having him run the scheme he's devised. And even then, he may not be too enamored with the personnel at Washington's disposal without a clear plan for improvement.
Washington has other candidates lined up ready to go. Acquiring Flores would be on the more ambitious side, but there is no harm in trying. Considering what's at stake for Quinn entering a crucial third season at the helm, swinging for the fences is absolutely imperative.
It does not seem unlikely. Flores is comfortable in Minnesota, and this could be the year he finally gets a promotion when it's all said and done. At the same time, Quinn is deeply respected around the league, so it couldn't be dismissed entirely.
Watch this space, I guess...