Most of the conversations surrounding who the Patriots might hire as their next coach since firing Jerod Mayo on Sunday revolve around two candidates: current Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. They're the primary targets of every team needing a new head coach, and the Patriots are no different having them at the top of their list.
Both are expected to interview for the job this week, further proving Robert Kraft's statement about wanting to go through the process quickly in hopes of getting a jump start on their 2025 offseason.
Fans are interested in either coach succeeding Mayo and believe they will be the right guy for the job if awarded, especially when considering the development of quarterback Drake Maye and getting the team back on the right page.
However, another name has become a prominent fixture in discussions over the past week who is also a former Patriots coach, current Vikings defensive coordinator and ex-Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. He began his coaching career in New England in 2008 and remained with the team until he accepted the job with Miami in 2019. He is now a hot commodity for the role again.
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Fortunately for the Patriots, he's interested in the job and would take an interview if called.
Patriots should seriously consider interviewing Brian Flores for their head coach vacancy
While speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon as the Vikings prepare for their Wild Card Weekend game this weekend, Flores was asked about the interest he has received from teams needing a new head coach and was inevitably asked about the Patriots.
When asked if he was interested in the job, he said he was, but the Patriots have not been in contact about an interview.
Brian Flores is gracefully taking a lot of questions about his head coach prospects. He said he will take every interview that is requested. Asked if he is interested in the Patriots job, he said: "I would say yes." But he added "it's not up to me" if they want to talk.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 7, 2025
It would be a shame for Robert Kraft to pass on the opportunity to interview Flores, even if he has already made his mind up about who he wants to be the next head coach. The rumor continues that he's dead set on Vrabel, but a guy like Flores could be a great addition to the team, especially considering how impressive the Vikings' defense has been this season.
New England's defense completely regressed in 2024 and could use a defensive mind like Flores on the sideline while also benefitting from his previous experience as a head coach.