Brian Flores‘ ongoing legal battle with the NFL has been a benefit for the Minnesota Vikings, who have retained the former head coach and defensive savant for three seasons since he arrived in 2023.
In the final year of his contract in Minnesota, Flores’ legal grievances are finally gaining traction.
On Thursday, August 14, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Flores can take the NFL to court for claims of discriminatory hiring practices, overruling the league’s arbitration practices that have left claims to be decided by the league’s principal officer, according to an ESPN report.
“The significance of the Second Circuit’s decision cannot be overstated,” Flores’ attorneys said in a statement, per ESPN. “For too long, the NFL has relied on a fundamentally biased and unfair arbitration process — even in cases involving serious claims of discrimination. This ruling sends a clear message: that practice must end. This is a victory not only for NFL employees, but for workers across the country — and for anyone who believes in transparency, accountability and justice.”
While it is a legal win for Flores, his future with the Vikings could face more uncertainty.
Vikings, Brian Flores’ Future Clouded by Lawsuit
Under the court’s decision, Flores can pursue claims against the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Houston Texans for discrimination against Black coaches. Flores interviewed with all three teams after he was fired by the Miami Dolphins, which is the basis of his legal dispute with the league that he says is “rife with racism.”
After spending the 2022 season as a linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Flores has resurfaced as the Vikings defensive coordinator with his innovative defense.
Flores took over a Vikings defense that ranked 31st in yards allowed and 29th in points allowed and transformed it into one of the league’s top units. Last season, the Vikings led the NFL in takeaways (33) and ranked fifth in points allowed.
His transformation of the Vikings defense has made him a top defensive head coach candidate. However, he did not receive a single interview request in the 2023 to 2024 hiring cycle and did not receive a second interview last hiring wave.
Flores’ legal matters could continue to make other teams apprehensive about promoting him, meaning the Vikings may have a better shot at re-signing him as defensive coordinator.
However, it does complicate things in a contract year for the defensive coordinator.
Vikings Can Remedy Flores’ Situation Right Now
Before any further legal escalations, the Vikings would be wise to get ahead of the ball and re-sign Flores immediately. Getting him under contract avoids any external pressures.
But the terms of his next contract are in question. Flores may not want a long-term commitment if he sees himself in line for a head coach position.
However, if his suit further alienates him from other teams, Flores would be wise to put down roots in Minnesota long term.
But he has admitted to wanting another shot at being a head coach.
“It would have to be the right opportunity, but, yes, I would love to be a head coach again,” Flores said on “The Adam Schefter” podcast in November 2024, adding that his family loves Minnesota and there might be some “resistance” to make another move.
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