Brian Flores Gets His Flowers from National Outlet
It’s ranking season in the NFL, with the calendar’s slow time front and center.
Brian Flores continues to earn national props, this time getting attention near the top of PFN’s 2025 NFL defensive coordinator rankings. An impressive feat.
In fact, NFL Network began revealing its yearly NFL Top 100, and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones came in at No. 98.
And defensive coordinator rankings are evidently a thing, too, courtesy of Pro Football Network. It just so happens that Vikings defensive boss Brian Flores pulled down the No. 3 spot.
Brian Flores the 3rd-Best Defensive Coordinator in the NFL, Says PFN
PFN’s Jacob Infante ranked all defensive coordinators this week, and Flores filled the No. 3 hole.
Infante explained, “Blitz mastermind Brian Flores has transformed the Minnesota Vikings’ defense, forming one of the NFL’s top coaching duos alongside offensive-minded head coach Kevin O’Connell.”
“Flores played a key role in elevating both Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to Pro Bowl seasons, each recording double-digit sacks. His expertly designed blitz packages consistently create opportunities for the defensive line. In 2024, Minnesota finished third in the league in Defense+.”
Flores got his flowers.
Brian Flores = 3rd-Best Defensive Coordinator in 2025
PFN showered kudos on the Vikings’ defensive boss.
A Deserved Ranking
Moreover, Flores deserves it.
He took over a Vikings’ defense from 2022, led by Ed Donatell, that fancied a silly “bend but don’t break” mentality. In reality, Donatell’s defense often broke, especially in the final two minutes of the 1st and 2nd halves.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell fired Donatell accordingly after one season, and Flores rode in on a white horse.
Fast forward to the end of 2024, and Flores’ unit ranked second in the NFL per EPA/Play. It only took Flores two years to fundamentally repair the defense and make it formidable.
Even More Toys for Brian Flores in 2025
Now, with the 2025 regular season 9.5 weeks away, Flores has even more ammunition.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed two premier veteran defensive tackles from free agency, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. He also added younger talent at cornerback, inking Isaiah Rodgers from free agency and Jeff Okudah, the third overall pick in 2020.
At safety, Camryn Bynum said goodbye and chose the Indianapolis Colts as his next employer, but Minnesota was content with promoting unsung reserve safety Theo Jackson.
Mainly because of Allen and Hargrave, plus an increased role for outside linebacker Dallas Turner, Flores’ defense can cook in 2025.
Head Coach Job Next Offseason?
Vikings fans, however, should enjoy the ride.
Flores could rather reasonably accept a head coaching job in seven months. He’s due to return to that prestige of coaching. He actually interviewed for a few jobs this offseason but didn’t seal the deal.
You can read about possible Flores landing spots in 2026 here.
The DC Cream of the Crop
Infante named Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio the top dog.
He wrote, “The turnaround that Vic Fangio spearheaded as defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles last season was remarkable. After finishing 30th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric in 2023, Fangio turned them around to the second-best ranking in 2024. The Eagles finished second with just 17.8 points per game allowed last year, dominating with the second-lowest blitz rate in the league.”
“Their talented defensive line is complemented by a strong secondary, which Fangio effectively utilizes through disguised coverages. He’s a defensive mastermind who played a massive role in their Super Bowl victory.”
And Steve Spagnuolo from the Kansas City Chiefs checked in second, ahead of Flores: “Steve Spagnuolo has quietly been the backbone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty. Since taking over as defensive coordinator in 2019, he’s helped guide the team to five Super Bowl appearances and three championships in just six seasons.”
“The Chiefs have placed 14th in Defense+ in consecutive seasons, preventing them from staying at No. 1, like they were for us last year. That said, his philosophy of generating pressure with blitzes and exotic rush packages works. Kansas City has been inside the top five in fewest points per game allowed in consecutive years.”
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive boss Anthony Campanile filled the very last spot on the ladder, according to PFN.
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