One of many extra vital selections that the Minnesota Vikings needed to make this offseason revolved round their defensive coordinator spot. After having main struggles as a bunch in 2022, they determined to half methods with Ed Donatell after only one 12 months. In the long run, although there have been many candidates for the job, Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings determined to convey Brian Flores aboard as their DC in 2023.

PFF’s Trevor Sikkema not too long ago ranked his high 10 defensive coordinators throughout the league, and Flores earned a excessive rating within the analyst’s eyes, being positioned eighth on the record. Here’s what Sikkema needed to say of Flores forward of his first season with the Vikings:

After spending the 2022 season because the linebackers coach in Pittsburgh, Flores will return to a featured teaching position, this time as defensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings.

Earlier than his time with the Steelers, Flores was head coach of the Dolphins. In his first season, they ranked lifeless final in factors per sport allowed (30.9). In his second season, they jumped all the way in which to fourth (21.1). In his closing season, Miami fell to fifteenth, however their common stayed true at 21.9 factors allowed per sport. The Dolphins positioned sixth within the league in anticipated factors allowed per play in these closing two seasons with Flores on the helm.

As Sikkema factors out, Flores was the pinnacle coach of the Miami Dolphins previous to taking a linebackers coach job with the Steelers in 2022. Over the course of his three seasons in Miami, Flores proved to be one of many higher defensive minds within the sport.

A big a part of Flores’ plan of assault revolved round blitzing with younger linebackers. In 2020 and 2021, the Dolphins ranked second in blitz share, and contemplating the Vikings had been one of the crucial rare blitzing defenses throughout 2022, Flores’ Miami blitz share is one thing followers are hoping interprets to Minnesota this season.

Total, there ought to be hope that Flores can take what Minnesota has on protection by way of personnel and produce a greater outcome than what we noticed in 2022.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The School of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing in regards to the NFL, Josh enjoys operating, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Take a look at his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.