Eagan, Minn. (Jan. 21, 2026) – The Minnesota Vikings announced today Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores has signed a contract extension.
In Flores’ first three seasons leading Minnesota’s defense (2023-25), the Vikings have limited their opponents to 19.2 points per game (second-fewest league wide) and 317.1 yards per game, including 5.1 yards per play (fourth). Opponents have averaged just 105.4 rushing yards per game (fifth) against the Vikings defense during Flores’ tenure, including a league-low 3.9 yards per rush since 2023. Minnesota has totaled the second-most forced fumbles in the NFL with 52, and the fifth-most defensive takeaways with 73, including 61 fumble recoveries (fifth) and 43 interceptions. The Vikings have allowed just 147 plays of 20+ yards over the past three seasons, the fewest league wide since Flores took ownership of the defense.
“Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets, and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field,” said Head Coach Kevin O’Connell. “The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation. On a personal level, I’ve really valued the relationship we’ve built over the last three years, and that shared trust, alignment and high standard will continue to be critical to our success.”
Under Flores’ tutelage, the Vikings defense has steadily improved. Prior to his arrival in Minnesota, the Vikings defense ranked 31st overall at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Flores led the unit to a 16th-place ranking following the 2023 and 2024 seasons and a third-place finish this past season, allowing only 282.6 yards per game in 2025. Only Houston (277.2) and Denver (278.2) allowed fewer total yards per game.
In 2025, Flores’ defense allowed an average of 158.5 passing yards per game, the second fewest in the NFL behind Buffalo (156.9). It also marked the team’s fewest passing yards allowed per game by the club since 1989 (156.3). In the red zone, Minnesota allowed just 2.11 yards per play this season, the second fewest in the NFL (Denver), and gave up touchdowns on only 42.9% of its opponents’ red-zone drives, which also marked the second-lowest percentage across the league in 2025 (Denver).
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