Commanders interviewed top DC candidate on Wednesday
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When the Washington Commanders fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. last week, everyone's favorite dream candidate to replace him was Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores, who is a candidate for some head coaching vacancies, is out of contract with the Vikings. While Minnesota hopes to retain Flores, he's free to negotiate with other teams for their coordinator vacancies.
On Tuesday, Ian Rapoport reported that the Commandershoped to interview Flores.
Good news: Flores was in Ashburn on Wednesday, officially interviewing for Washington's defensive coordinator position.
The #Commanders are, in fact, interviewing Brian Flores for their DC job today, source said. https://t.co/LcOZvqqXyt— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2026
Once Flores completed his interview with the Commanders, he's expected in Pittsburgh to interview for the Steelers' head coaching vacancy after Mike Tomlin stepped away on Tuesday. Flores spent the 2022 season in Pittsburgh, working under Tomlin. Flores has also interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens for their head coaching opening.
The former Miami Dolphins head coach is considered one of the NFL's top defensive coordinators. While he has no ties to head coach Dan Quinn, Flores overlapped in New England with Washington GM Adam Peters, and the two reportedly have a strong relationship.
The Commanders have interviewed multiple candidates already, including three current defensive coordinators: Flores, Patrick Graham (Raiders) and Dennard Wilson (Titans). Graham and Wilson remain under contract with their respective teams, but their head coaches were fired, allowing them to interview with Washington.
Flores would be a slam-dunk hire for the Commanders. It remains to be seen whether he's seriously considering Washington if he doesn't land a head coaching job. Washington is scheduled to speak with former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on Thursday.
Washington got an up-close look at Flores' defense in December, when his Vikings held the Commanders scoreless in a 31-0 win.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Brian Flores interviewed for DC vacancy
