The dream of potentially landing Brian Flores is over for the Washington Commanders. They must now turn their attention to other defensive coordinator candidates, and fresh insider revelations confirmed what fans had long known about this ambitious pursuit.
Washington spoke with Flores about possibly replacing Joe Whitt Jr. That was surprising in itself, but the Minnesota Vikings were always confident they could retain his services if he didn't get a head-coaching job.
That proved to be the case. Flores signed a new deal with the Vikings. If he's unsuccessful in his efforts to become a head coach, he'll be working with head coach Kevin O'Connell once again in 2026.
Commanders never had a shot at landing Brian Flores as Vikings pulled out all the stops
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network shed more light on what went down between the Vikings and Flores. Other offers were on the table, but Minnesota's ownership made the aggressive play-caller an offer he couldn't refuse to seal the deal.
"As of earlier this week, another team, whether it was the Commanders or someone like the Green Bay Packers, could have lured him. My understanding is [The Wilfs] made a huge offer, the type that [Brian] Flores as a D-coordinator was not going to be able to refuse. He is still in the mix [for the Steelers and Ravens jobs]...we'll see what shakes out in those head coaching searches, but right now, it looks like he will be back in Minnesota."Tom Pelissero
Simply put, the Commanders never stood a chance.
Whether their meeting with Flores was a leverage play or not is debatable. But it was clear from a long way out that the Vikings were going to move heaven and earth to keep their guy around.
That could change if he earns a deserved promotion in this hiring cycle. But with Jesse Mintter taking over from John Harbaugh in Baltimore, that leaves only the Steelers. And they are reportedly high on Mike McCarthy's credentials.
As for the Commanders? They need to think quickly.
Quinn has been patient so far, but there are several openings around the league that could be more enticing to any prospective options. Washington's defense is devoid of quality playing personnel. A blank canvas could be intriguing to an up-and-coming coach looking for a shot, but those on the cusp of being a head coach or wanting another shot may look elsewhere.
Flores obviously felt the same. And of course, the money reportedly offered by the Vikings only sweetened the pot.