The Pittsburgh Steelers are not even a week into their off-season, and yet they still manage to make headlines. This time, it isn’t revolving around any of the players. Once again, the headline is centered around the Steelers linebacker coach and senior defensive assistant, Brian Flores, and what his future will look like.
Pittsburgh Steelers Senior Defensive Assistant/Linebackers Coach, Brian Flores participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTA's), Tuesday May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers' Flores Highly Sought After
Flores is currently one of the most sought-after coaching candidates going into the off-season. The Cleveland Browns have already asked the Steelers for permission to interview Flores to be their next defensive coordinator after Joe Woods was recently let go from that position. While becoming the defensive coordinator for another team would be a step up from his current spot with the Steelers, Flores could move even higher up on the food chain with the most recent offer to interview.
Ian Rapoport has reported that the Arizona Cardinals are looking to interview Flores to be their next head coach after the firing of Kliff Kingsbury. It could be a good match for the Cardinals as Flores does have a decent track record as a head coach.
During his tenure with the Miami Dolphins, Flores had a near .500 record as he went 24-25 over three years. Even with a winning record of 9-8 in 2021, the Dolphins still decided to show Flores the door at the end of the season. As a result, Flores filed a lawsuit against the Dolphins, among other teams, as well as the NFL for unfair employment practices. This lawsuit made it difficult for Flores to find a spot on any team’s roster.
The main reason why Flores agreed to come to the Steelers in the first place was because he wasn’t selected to fill any of the head coaching vacancies in the 2022 off-season. At the time, Flores was looking to become the head coach of either the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, or the Houston Texans. One year later, and Flores has opportunities galore with Arizona currently being the most enticing landing spot.
Can Cardinals Steal Flores From Steelers?
Being a head coach in the NFL is one of the most coveted jobs, so it’s only natural that Flores would be willing to part ways with the Steelers should he be the candidate selected for the Cardinals. However, it’s not just the title of head coach that would peak Flores’s interest in Arizona, but also some of the players and staff he would be inheriting.
First and foremost, Flores would have the opportunity to personally coach a talented young quarterback in former number one pick, Kyler Murray. In addition, Flores would also have one of the top wide receivers in the game in DeAndre Hopkins, complimented by Arizona’s off-season acquisition in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Last but not least, he’d have a solid running back in former Steeler, James Conner. While the outlook on offense is very promising, we all know Flores to be a defensive minded coach. With that in mind, let’s see how his defense might look.
Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Brian Flores works with the defense as they go through drills during practice at NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa., on Aug. 8, 2022. Flores will make his return to South Florida Sunday night, Oct. 23, 2022, when the Steelers face the Miami Dolphins. Flores was fired by the Dolphins in January and later filed a lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins and two other teams. (Keith Srakocic / Associated Press)
It’s unfortunate that Flores wouldn’t have future Hall of Famer JJ Watt to work with due to Watt retiring at the end of the 2022 season, but there’s still some good pieces. Most notably, he would have safety, Budda Baker and linebacker, Isaiah Simmons as his young potential cornerstones. The defense could use some upgrades, and thankfully for Flores, the Cardinals have a few assets that could help with that.
In terms of cap space, the Cardinals currently have around $16 million they can use for free agency. This number could fluctuate with off-season roster moves, primarily in trades or roster cuts. Aside from money, the Cardinals are also in possession of the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They could use that pick to select an elite game changer to bolster their roster. Even though cash and draft capital are all well and good, there’s one other reason why Flores might make a dash for the desert.
The Cardinals are not only looking for a new head coach, but are also in the midst of pursuing a new general manager. One candidate for that job is the team’s current vice president of pro scouting, Adrian Wilson. How is this connected to Flores? Flores was a position coach, specifically safeties, in 2013 for the New England Patriots. Having been coached by Flores in the past means that if Wilson becomes the new GM, Flores may just have a friend in high places within the organization. With all these factors in mind, it wouldn’t come as a shock if Flores left the Steelers for the Cardinals.
Will The Steelers Get Compensation?
Unfortunately for the Steelers they will not receive any third-round draft picks should Flores decide to leave for a promotion. In order for a team to receive compensation for a minority candidate heading to another team on a promotion that candidate has to be with their current team for two seasons.
Do you think Brian Flores will be the next head coach for the Arizona Cardinals? Tell us your thoughts in the comments down below.
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