Vikings have clear Plan B after missing on Ejiro Evero

The Minnesota Vikings missed out on top defensive coordinator candidate Ejiro Evero, but they have an obvious backup plan.

The Minnesota Vikings fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell after a disappointing first season with the team, which was highlighted by their Wild Card Round loss to the New York Giants. The team did interview four candidates for the position this offseason, but they were waiting for Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, as he was one of their top choices. Evero was a highly sought-after head coaching candidate, as he interviewed for all five vacant positions this offseason. But on Sunday, the Vikings received some bad news.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Carolina Panthers hired Evero as their new defensive coordinator on new head coach Frank Reich’s coaching staff.

With their top choice now off the board, the Vikings still have a solid backup plan they can pivot to — Brian Flores.

Vikings lose out on Ejiro Evero as DC, but can pivot to Brian Flores

Flores made a name for himself as a safeties and linebackers coach with the New England Patriots. He notably coached up the defense at the end of the 2018 season, highlighted by holding the Los Angeles Rams to three points in Super Bowl 53. That lengthy tenure in New England helped him become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, a tenure that lasted three years. This past season, Flores was a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport points out in the tweet above, Flores is one of Minnesota’s top candidates. However, there is concern that Flores may not be available.

Rapoport reported later on Sunday that Flores is expected to interview with the Arizona Cardinals for their head coaching position on Wednesday. Additionally, Flores is expected to speak with the Denver Broncos for their defensive coordinator vacancy on Tuesday.

The Vikings have interviewed three other candidates, including their assistant head coach Mike Pettine, New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, and Seattle Seahawks associate head coach Sean Desai. Nielsen is already off the board, as he was hired to be the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator.

Getting a big-name coach in Flores would be a slam-dunk hire for the Vikings. But, they will have to wait and see if Flores will still be available after the Cardinals hire a head coach and the Broncos bring in a defensive coordinator under new head coach Sean Payton.