Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores should be on the Las Vegas Raiders’ short list for head coach. Here’s why his defensive track record, leadership style, and no-nonsense approach fit Las Vegas’ reset.
The Raiders are back in familiar territory. They are searching for a head coach after moving on from Pete Carroll following one season in 2025. With minority owner Tom Brady expected to have a meaningful voice in football operations, the organization has another chance to bring stability to a franchise that has cycled through coaches at a rapid pace. Among the candidates drawing attention is Flores, a proven leader with head-coaching experience and a track record of building disruptive defenses.
Should the Raiders seriously consider Brian Flores?
Flores’ résumé is one of the strongest in this hiring cycle. He spent 2008-18 with the New England Patriots, rising from scouting assistant to linebackers coach and defensive signal-caller by the end of his tenure. He was part of four Super Bowl championship teams and worked in a program built on adaptability, aggression and accountability under Bill Belichick.
Flores became head coach of the Dolphins in 2019 and inherited a roster in transition. Miami went 5-11 in his first season, but the turnaround was quick. The Dolphins went 10-6 in 2020 and 9-8 in 2021, the franchise’s first back-to-back winning seasons in more than a decade. His defenses produced takeaways and limited scoring at a high rate during that stretch, reflecting his ability to maximize personnel through scheme and tempo. Miami fired Flores after the 2021 season, and he later filed a lawsuit against the NFL and several teams alleging discriminatory hiring practices.
Flores returned to the league in 2022 as a senior defensive assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then became the Vikings’ defensive coordinator in 2023. Minnesota has leaned into his pressure-heavy approach, with frequent disguises, aggressive blitz rates and an emphasis on forcing mistakes. Over time, his units have shown an ability to adjust to personnel, develop players and create game-changing plays—qualities the Raiders could value as they build around a young core.
The link between Flores and Las Vegas…
One of the clearest links to Las Vegas is Flores’ relationship with Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The two share Patriots roots and have a long-standing connection. Flores hired Graham as his defensive coordinator in Miami in 2019, and their defenses leaned on multiplicity and disruption even when the roster lacked top-end depth.
That tie matters because it offers a practical path to continuity. The Raiders’ recent turnover has often brought new systems and new voices, which can stall development. A Flores hire that keeps Graham in a significant role—whether as coordinator, associate head coach or senior defensive adviser—could reduce the typical churn and preserve what the defense has already built around Maxx Crosby.
Flores also offers a clear identity. Las Vegas has struggled to play consistent defense in recent years, and Flores’ style is built to dictate terms. His approach can shorten games, create extra possessions and take pressure off an offense that has too often been asked to win shootouts.
Bringing back the “Patriot Way” with Flores…
Another factor is Flores’ long history with Brady in New England. They know each other well. That matters. The Raiders have lacked alignment at the top, and familiarity can help.
There is also staff talk. Flores is a defensive coach. The Raiders would need a strong offensive partner, especially with a young quarterback. Brian Daboll has been mentioned as a possible offensive coordinator option. Kliff Kingsbury has come up in broader league chatter, too.
Even with all of that, Flores is not the choice I would make. The Raiders need a modern offensive architect as head coach. They need someone who can build an identity on that side of the ball and keep it steady over time. That becomes even more important if the next coach starts a rookie quarterback.
Flores may have been treated unfairly in Miami. Still, the recent Belichick-tree track record is a concern. Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia and Eric Mangini are examples. A Patriots background does not guarantee head-coaching success.
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