Yahoo Sports Bears to interview Brian Flores for head coach on Saturday
The Chicago Bears are set to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores on Saturday for the head coach vacancy, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Bears requested to speak with Flores last week, but he was unable to interview due to the Vikings playing in the wild card round. Now that they have been eliminated, Flores is free to speak with inquiring teams. The interview will be virtual, as candidates currently employed by NFL teams cannot meet in person until Monday. Flores will meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets on Friday.
Sources: #Vikings DC Brian Flores will interview with the #Jets and #Jaguars on Friday, and the #Bears on Saturday for their head coaching jobs.
Flores is a top candidate in this year’s cycle after two strong years in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/F3QCzz1cw7— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 15, 2025
Flores has reportedly been on the Bears radar for quite some time. The 43-year-old has done an impressive job as Minnesota's defensive coordinator the last two years, turning them into a top-five defense in rushing yards allowed (93.4) and points allowed (19.5) with his blitz-heavy approach. They also were tied for the league lead in takeaways with 33.
Prior to Minnesota, Flores served as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019-2021, compiling a 24-25 record but having an ugly exit. Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL for racial discrimination due to NFL hiring practices. He also claimed Dolphins owner Stephen Ross pressured Flores into losing games to tank for draft picks. In 2024, Flores came under fire for his treatment of Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the quarterback spoke out, saying his former coach constantly told him he "shouldn't be here" as the Dolphins starter.
Despite those criticisms, the Bears are interested to see how Flores could lead quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the team. In addition to Flores, the Bears have met with Denver Broncos front office member David Shaw, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, and former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera this week.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears to interview Brian Flores for head coach on Saturday
