The Minnesota defense isn’t just staying dangerous — it’s staying expensive. And for SKOL Nation, that’s a very good thing.
According to new reporting, Brian Flores will earn more than $6 million per year under his new contract to remain defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings — a figure that likely makes him the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL.
For a fan base that’s watched this defense transform into a weekly problem for opposing offenses, the message is clear: Minnesota is paying to keep its identity intact.
A Coordinator Deal That Looks Like Head Coach Money
Coordinator salaries are typically kept private, but multiple reports peg Flores’ new deal north of $6M annually. That places him:
Above most NFL coordinators.
Above reported pay for top DCs like Vic Fangio (~$4.5M range).
Near the low end of NFL head coach salaries
By comparison, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is believed to make over $13 million annually on his current contract. Flores’ number signals elite value — and elite leverage.
Minnesota didn’t just retain a coordinator. They invested in a cornerstone.
Why Flores Is Worth It
Results. Simple as that.
Under Flores, the Vikings defense has ranked among the league’s best two straight seasons:
2024: Top-two in opponent EPA per play and defensive DVOA 2025: Top-three in both categories again Consistent pressure packages, disguised looks, and aggressive situational play Turned personnel into production, not excuses
His scheme has given Minnesota a weekly tactical edge — the kind that travels in January.
Front Office Tension Played a Role
One of the more interesting layers behind the contract: reports indicate Flores allowed his prior deal to lapse in part due to discomfort with the direction of the front office under former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Sources suggested Flores was clear about:
His strong relationship with ownership (the Wilf family). His alignment with O’Connell. His appreciation for Minnesota itself
Notably, he avoided publicly endorsing the prior GM structure — a detail that stood out at the time and makes more sense now following the leadership change.
Head Coach Buzz — But No Offer Yet
For the second straight offseason, Flores drew head coaching interest but did not land a job. That’s despite leading one of the NFL’s most efficient and disruptive defenses.
Factors believed to be working against him:
Ongoing legal action involving the NFL Residual reputation issues from his Miami tenure Risk aversion from ownership groups
Minnesota’s gain — again — is everyone else’s hesitation.
SKOL Draft Room Take
This is a statement move.
The Vikings didn’t just keep continuity — they doubled down on dominance. In a league where elite coordinators are constantly poached, Minnesota paid the premium to keep its defensive architect in place.
If the defense keeps playing like this, that contract won’t look expensive — it’ll look like a bargain.
Defense travels. Flores stays.
SKOL.
