Football Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the field before a divisional matchup with Green Bay in Minneapolis.Brian Flores is one of the top defensive coaches in football, you are not alone. NFL writer Daniel Rios ranked all playcallers on defense this week, and unsurprisingly, Flores got his flowers.

Rankings for defensive coaches are rare, but this go-around, Flores checked in at No. 4.

Football Vikings Defense Keeps Its Loudest Advantage

he explained the placement: “Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has completely transformed the team’s defensive identity since arriving. His aggressive approach forces offenses to play on his terms, using pressure packages and constantly changing looks to keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.”

“Few coordinators disguise pressure as effectively as Flores. His defenses often show six or seven potential rushers before dropping multiple defenders into coverage, creating hesitation and forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions.”

Flores basically has a 100% approval rating among fans.

“Flores deserves credit for maximizing his personnel. Minnesota doesn’t always feature the league’s most talented defense, but its scheme consistently elevates players by putting them in a position to succeed,” Rios continued.

“The aggressiveness occasionally leaves his defenders vulnerable to explosive plays, but the overall results speak for themselves. Week after week, Flores creates game plans that completely alter how opposing offenses operate, cementing himself among the league’s elite playcallers.”

Deservedly So

The ranking won’t get any shade from any reasonable people, and if anything, it could be too low.

Since Flores took over the Vikings’ defense, it has fundamentally changed for the better. Here’s the money stat to know:

Vikings Defense,
per EPA/Play,
NFL Ranking:

The 3 Years before Brian Flores: 20th
The 3 Years with Brian Flores: 2nd

Only the Cleveland Browns have a better defense since 2023, mainly because former Brown Myles Garrett is such a tyrant. Minnesota’s 2022 campaign was undone by a strangely poor defense, marshaled by Ed Donatell, but it put its foot down during the 2023 offseason and onboarded Flores. Since then, defense has become the team’s calling card, a sweet perk for a team with an offense-first head coach in Kevin O’Connell.

He’ll Have an Offense Next to Him in 2026

Suddenly, the Vikings can be a serious team again. The offense might be back. In 2025, Minnesota finished with a 9-8 record despite showcasing the NFL’s fifth-least-efficient quarterback play, courtesy of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski signed Kyler Murray in March for $1.3 million, and he has the chance and the physical tools to unlock an offense that floundered last season and prevented a playoff berth. The Vikings were also a win away from taking the NFC North. That’s in play again with Murray in the house.

run-heavy offense or an elite passing attack, Macdonald consistently adjusts his scheme to eliminate the opponent’s biggest strength. Combined with elite player development and good in-game adjustments, he enters the 2026 season as the NFL’s best defensive playcaller.”

Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve Spagnuolo from the Kansas City Chiefs checked in at No. 2 and 3, respectively.

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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker