Daily Norseman
Time To Reward Brian Flores
I think that we should hopefully here about a hefty extension for Brian Flores soon. The Vikings have been adding defensive players via free agency and the draft that Coach Flores feels will be good in his scheme. If Flores leaves for a head coach position, do the Vikings have contingency plans for a coordinator that runs a similar defensive scheme as Flores. Maybe not exactly similar obviously but one where the players acquired will be good fits. I would hate to see them hire someone who feels they should move certain players due to scheme fit.
I will say it may be overblown a bit since the Vikings are not handing out 4 to 5 year deals. In fact, the only players under contract in 2027 that are not rookies and that are making over 10M are Jefferson, Hockenson*, Darrisaw, Fries, Greenard*, Allen*, Hargrave*, and Murphy*. The asterisk indicates it is the last year of their deal. JJ McCarthy and Dallas Turner will be in their 4th year and could get their 5th year option picked up.
So, even if Flores leaves, the team could hire the best defensive coordinator they can find and start acquiring players that fit the new scheme without incurring too much dead money or having to hang onto players that may be bad fits.
What would be a good deal for Flores?
How Much Do NFL Defensive Coordinators Make?
Terms of Fangio’s Eagles contract were never reported, but when he signed his Dolphins contract in 2023, it was for three years at roughly $4.5 million per year, per Sports Illustrated. NFL Media reported at the time that it made Fangio the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL. Though Fangio’s tenure with the Dolphins ended in a mutual parting of ways after the 2023 season, it seems likely that the Eagles paid him a similar or greater amount to return to his native Pennsylvania.
After the Chiefs’ win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, Spagnuolo signed a new contract the following offseason to remain with the Chiefs that pays him around $5 million per year, according to ESPN.
Both of these contracts, as mentioned previously, are likely on the high end of NFL defensive coordinator salaries. NBC Sports reported in 2022 that the average coordinator salary was $1 million per year.
Experience pays best for NFL defensive coordinators.
I would offer Flores a 3 year deal for 18M at the minimum. He is well worth it and if you pay him good enough, he may want to stay. Of course, this assumes he gets a head coach offer.
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Vikings Calculating Ripple Effects of Possible Brian Flores Departure?
*As of this morning, there was a belief that the next non-player extension would go to B-Flo, who has single-handedly taken the MN Vikings defense from one of the worst in the NFL, just a couple of years ago, to one of the hardest in the...
