The Dolphins appear set to fill their head coaching vacancy by hiring Patriots’ Brian Flores.
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly zeroing in on New England Patriots defensive play-caller/linebackers coach, Brian Flores, for their head coaching position. A deal hasn’t been agreed upon yet as Miami awaits for New England to be eliminated from playoff contention before making it official, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Flores reportedly impressed team officials in interviews. His command and respect of the locker room are exactly what the Dolphins were looking for in a coach. Miami is on the verge of a complete rebuild and they believe Flores can be the coach to steer the ship in the right direction.
The Dolphins showed interest in Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach, Kris Richard, throughout the process. The team also interviewed New Orleans defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The focus on defensive coaches was clear in this case for Miami, as they look to shed former head coach, Adam Gase’s offensive identity.
Once the hiring becomes official, Flores will become one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL at 37-years-old. This continues the trend of young coaches being hired recently with the likes of Matt LaFleur, Kliff Kingsbury and Zac Taylor. Flores will potentially be the second defensive-oriented head coach to be hired after the Denver Broncos hired Vic Fangio earlier this week.
Flores has spent his entire coaching career with the Patriots thus far dating back to 2004 when he started out as a scouting assistant. Flores gradually moved up the ranks, which ultimately rewarded him defensive play-calling duties when former defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, became the Detroit Lions head coach in 2018.
This report comes out on the heels of the Dolphins wrapping up their final head coaching interviews today with Dowell Loggains or Darren Rizzi. Instead, their focus is on Flores to become Gase’s successor.
Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reported earlier in the week that Dolphins General Manager, Chris Grier, was high on Flores as Miami’s next head coach. Most buzz around league circles also liked the chances of Flores taking the Dolphins job.
Again, nothing is official between the Dolphins and Flores. The teams cannot agree to terms until the Patriots’ season is over. The Patriots face the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday, which could be the last game Flores spends on New England’s sideline.