Vikings introduce new DC Brian Flores, who says "gut feeling" led him to Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings' new defensive coordinator spoke with the media for the first time Wednesday.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell introduced Brian Flores, who will now attempt to turn around a defense that was among the NFL's worst last season.
RELATED: Vikings hire Brian Flores as new defensive coordinator
"He's somebody I targeted immediately," O'Connell said during the press conference. "I can't wait to get him around our players. And ultimately, nobody better to bring here as we continue to chase that championship standard."
O'Connell says they'll be looking for a more aggressive defense.
O’Connell says, in his conversations with Flores, they’ll be looking for a more aggressive defense. Example: “Weighty [critical] downs,” a philosophy Flores learned from Pittsburgh HC Mike Tomlin, emphasizing identifying scenarios where an aggressive defense’s risk is worth it.
— Norman Seawright III (@SeawrightSays) February 15, 2023
At the press conference, Flores said he's "aggressive by nature," but made sure to add that he's "not reckless." He says he's looking for smart, tough, and team-first players.
While Flores still had the opportunity to be hired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, he says a "gut feeling" led him to accepting the role in Minnesota.
Flores was asked if he might begin pursuing HC jobs again within the next year, and if he’s identified successors. Said he’s always trying to help people, has his goals (which can change), and reiterated that he’s happy in Minnesota.
— Norman Seawright III (@SeawrightSays) February 15, 2023
More than once, O'Connell mentioned Flores' head coaching experience as an advantage for the Vikings.