Brian Flores Named as Head Coach Candidate for New Spot
To no surprise of Minnesota Vikings fans, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will command head coaching attention in the 2026 carousel, with teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders, and perhaps the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland cutting bait on Kevin Stefanski puts Brian Flores on yet another rumor list, and it’s one more offseason storyline the Vikings can’t ignore.
Cleveland.com‘s Mary Kay Cabot added Flores to the list of the Browns’ next head coaching options on the day that the organization fired longtime skipper Kevin Stefanski, who also previously worked for the Vikings. The Flores rumor mill is indeed heating up.
Cleveland’s HC Rumor Mill Pulls in Brian Flores
Flores reportedly is in the mix for the Browns’ vacant HC post.
The Flores Emergence in CLE’s Rumor Mill
With Stefanski out, Cleveland will hire a new boss within the next month. It just so happens that Flores is evidently in the mix.
Cabot wrote, “Flores interviewed for the Browns defensive coordinator job in 2023 when it went to Schwartz, but the Browns really liked him. Flores runs a 3-4 defense, which doesn’t fit Myles Garrett, but the Browns are putting leadership and culture fit ahead of scheme.”
“He was head coach of the Dolphins (2019–21), and had a senior defensive role with the Steelers. Flores’s defenses are known for discipline, creativity, and physical play.”
Cabot mentioned about a dozen replacements for Stefanski, so it’s not like Flores is a shoo-in to earn the gig. Still, his hat is in the ring.
From an Offense-First HC to Defense-First
Stefanski took over the Browns in 2019 — fresh off an offensive coordinator post in Minnesota and the last time the Vikings won a playoff game — bringing an offense-first agenda to Cleveland. That has run its course, and the Browns may seek something different this go-round, evidenced by Flores’ name in the mix.
Flores transformed the Vikings’ defense into a Top 10 unit by 2024 after taking over at the start of 2023.
Of course, Flores would have to hire a top-tier offensive coaching staff as Cleveland’s offense is in shambles, but it can be done. Brian Daboll is already in the rumor mill as a Flores pick to run the offense.
A Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Endorsement?
Adofo-Mensah came to the Vikings from — you guessed it — the Browns. His pal, general manager Andrew Berry, is leading the search for a new head coach, and there’s a decent chance that Adofo-Mensah will speak glowingly of Flores when the time comes, if applicable. Why wouldn’t he?
Credible reporting has suggested Minnesota wants Flores back if the head coach search isn’t kind to him, and it just seems like smart business for Flores to stay put if so. Regardless, the NFL is just like any job. People talk. Berry is virtually assured to ask Adofo-Mensah about Flores’ three seasons in the Twin Cities. Hell, he probably already has, and that’s what led to Flores being considered for the Browns job.
Other Candidates for CLE
Kabot lifted up several other candidates, too.
She noted on San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, “Saleh interviewed for the Browns head coaching vacancy in 2020 that went to Stefanski, so the Browns know him well — and like him. A defensive-minded head coach, he runs a 4-3 so there’d be some continuity.”
“He also has previous head coaching experience with the Jets from 2021-2024, and that’s a plus, even though he went 20-36 because of quarterback problems. He’s worked closely with Kyle Shanahan and other premier coaches in the league, and has tremendous leadership skills.”
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator also got the nod, “Nagy plays a key role in one of the league’s most potent offenses, and he’s a longtime disciple of Andy Reid. He’s also the former head coach of the Bears, where he earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2018.”
“After four seasons in Chicago, Nagy returned to Kansas City, helping the Chiefs to continued success and contributing to multiple Super Bowl runs under Reid. His blend of offensive acumen and experience as both a head coach and coordinator makes him one of the more intriguing coaching figures in the NFL landscape.”
Here’s the full list per Cabot:
- Joe Brady (Bills OC)
- Jonathan Gannon (ex-ARI HC)
- Brian Flores (Vikings DC)
- Mike McCarthy (ex-GB, DAL HC)
- Jesse Minter (LAC DC)
- Matt Nagy (Chiefs OC)
- Tommy Rees (Browns OC)
- Robert Saleh (49ers DC)
- Jim Schwartz (Browns DC)
- Chris Shula (Rams DC)
The Browns finished 2025 with a 5-12 record, and the next head coach will enjoy the sixth pick in the draft, in addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pick, as a result of the Travis Hunter trade.
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