UPDATE: Steelers Brian Flores Now Finalist For 2 Defensive Coordinator Roles

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin was thrilled to somehow get Brian Flores on his 2022 coaching staff. A simple phone call for advice turned into an opportunity in Pittsburgh for Flores. While the defensive coordinator role had already been taken by Teryl Austin, the Steelers wanted the former Miami Dolphins head coach on their staff in some form. That's when he was hired to be their linebackers coach for the 2022 campaign. 

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Since the hiring, Tomlin has been quite honest in how lucky the black and gold were to get him, especially at such a discount. Flores is head coach caliber, not only evidenced by his three seasons in Miami, but his several interviews already this off-season. He was able to lead the Dolphins to a 19-14 record in his final two seasons there. Before that, he was also mentored by Bill Belichick in New England. Tomlin didn't think Flores would be in Pittsburgh for too long, and it's shaping up to be that way. 

He has been a popular name since the season came to an end. The Steelers have already dodged a few bullets, as the Minnesota Vikings opted to hire Ed Donatell as their defensive coordinator. Flores was a real candidate to stay within the AFC North as well, but the Cleveland Browns opted to hire Jim Schwartz instead for their DC opening. The Atlanta Falcons opted for Ryan Nielsen instead of Flores. On Friday, another team popped up as a possible destination.

The Denver Broncos have requested to interview Flores for their defensive coordinator opening. Something interesting to that, as pointed out by reporter Mike Klis of 9News, is that the Broncos were actually one of the teams named in Flores' discrimination lawsuit last off-season. Now, it hasn't been reported whether he's accepted the request yet, as he could possibly decline an interview.

Earlier this week, the Broncos acquired head coach, Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints for multiple draft picks. Now that they've got a head coach, the Broncos and general manager, George Paton, are looking for someone to lead their talented defense. Ejiro Evero was the defensive coordinator in Denver this past season, and he remains an option to stay in his position. The request to interview Flores could be seen as a potential backup plan in case Evero heads elsewhere for a job.

It should be an appealing spot for any candidate though, as the Broncos have plenty of talent to turn around their 5-12 2022 campaign. The Arizona Cardinals remain in the running for Flores as well, as they interviewed him for their head coach vacancy. He seems to have a legitimate shot at getting the job, and he would obviously take a HC role over DC. As of now, the Cardinals and Broncos are the two teams to watch regarding his situation. 

It should be noted that the Steelers would not get any draft compensation for Flores if he were to leave this off-season. He has to stay for at least two seasons for them to receive any sort of compensation. His 2023 status remains murky, as plenty of teams continue to show interest. Even the San Francisco 49ers could open up as a possible destination, as their DC DeMeco Ryans was hired as head coach of the Houston Texans.

UPDATE - 11:36AM Saturday --  It's now being reported by Albert Breer of NFL Network that Flores is the back up options at two locations. The issue for Steelers fans is he's the back up option for only one candidate. That being Ejiro Evero. If Evero stays in Denver instead of heading to Minnesota that would bump Flores to the top of the Vikings list. Should Evero leave Denver then that would put Flores at the top of the Broncos list. 

How big of a loss would Flores be if he left? Would you prefer him as the team's DC over Austin? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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