The Minnesota Vikings have made a major move, bringing in Brian Flores as their new defensive coordinator. It’s a move that could have a huge impact on the team’s future, and one that’s well worth exploring. In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the hire of Brian Flores, the changes he might bring to the Vikings’ defense, and why this could be a game-changer for the team.
The Vikings have been in search of a defensive coordinator since firing Ed Donatell at the beginning of January. After interviewing four candidates, the team ultimately decided to bring in Brian Flores, who spent last season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach. He has a long-standing relationship with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, with the two having worked together in the past when O’Connell was a quarterback for the New England Patriots and Flores was a special teams assistant.
Flores’ arrival could mean big changes for the Vikings’ defense. Last season, the team finished No. 31 in the NFL in yards allowed and is on the cusp of a major overhaul. Flores’ defense in Miami was known for heavy blitzing and man-to-man coverage in the secondary, two characteristics the Vikings largely stayed away from under Donatell. This could be a major shift in the team’s approach, and one that could pay dividends if executed properly.
When it comes to the scheme the Vikings will employ, it’s likely that O’Connell will look to recreate the 3-4 scheme popularized by longtime NFL coach Vic Fangio. This was the system Donatell was hired to install, but his version of the scheme proved to be predictable and ineffective. With Flores in the fold, the team could look to employ a more aggressive approach, one that relies on heavy blitzing and man-to-man coverage.
Overall, the hiring of Brian Flores could be a major boon for the Vikings’ defense. His experience and familiarity with O’Connell could lead to a more effective scheme and a more aggressive approach, two elements that could help the team take a major step forward in 2023. It will be interesting to see how the team’s defense evolves over the next few months, and how Flores’ arrival affects the team’s overall performance.
Source: www.espn.com