Daily Norseman
The Vikings have built up a defense to the likings of Brian Flores and really need to do whatever it takes to keep him. The players acquired have likely involved heavy input from B-Flo. They would need to find a similar kind of coordinator if he left.
AI question of today …
vikings replacement options for brian flores
If the Vikings need to replace Brian Flores as defensive coordinator, potential candidates include internal option Mike Pettine and external hires like Brandon Staley, Robert Saleh, or Jerod Mayo.
Potential Replacements
Internal Candidates
Mike Pettine: The current Vikings assistant head coach has previous experience as a defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers and head coach for the Cleveland Browns. Promoting him would ensure continuity, though his defensive scheme is less blitz-heavy and typically a 4-3 base, different from Flores’ 3-4.
Daronte Jones: The defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach is an internal option the team could explore.
External Candidates
Brandon Staley: A strong logical candidate due to his relationship with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell from their time with the Rams. Staley was the Rams’ defensive coordinator when they had the NFL’s number one defense in 2020 and uses a 3-4 base defense that aligns with the Vikings’ current scheme.
Robert Saleh: Recently fired as the New York Jets head coach, Saleh transformed the Jets’ defense into a top-five unit in the league. He previously served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator and would be a top external candidate if Flores departs.
Jerod Mayo: The former New England Patriots head coach was let go after one year and is a respected defensive mind who could be a potential target.
Lou Anarumo: Known as one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL, Anarumo’s defensive unit was a key factor in the Bengals’ recent postseason success.
Jim Leonhard: A former NFL safety and innovative play-caller who had consistently top-five defenses as the defensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers. The NFL has wanted to bring him in for a few seasons.
The Vikings are reportedly working to re-sign Flores, as he is in the final year of his contract and a highly valued coach.
Follow up question …
highest paid nfl defensive coordinators
Top NFL Defensive Coordinator Salaries
Salaries for NFL coordinators are not always publicly disclosed, but recent reports for the 2025 season indicate the top earners are:
Rank Coach Team Salary
1 Vic Fangio Philadelphia Eagles $4.5 million
2 Matt Eberflus Dallas Cowboys $4 million
3 Steve Spagnuolo Kansas City Chiefs $3.5 million
4 Todd Bowles Tampa Bay Buccaneers $3 million
5 Aden Durde Seattle Seahawks $2 million
Key Insights
Chip Kelly is the highest-paid overall coordinator in the NFL, earning $6 million per year as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The average salary for an NFL coordinator is approximately $1 million per year, but top talent can command much higher pay, comparable to some head coaches.
[NFL Highest-Paid Coaches 2025: Andy Reid...
