Probably one of the biggest shocks so far this month was when the Miami Dolphins elected to fire head coach Brian Flores. Citing relationship issues between him and ownership, a man who became the first to lead the franchise to back-to-back winning seasons in almost two decades was cut loose. What made the situation even more interesting is the Chicago Bears were the first of any other team to set up an interview with the 40-year old.
It turns out that might not have been an accident. ESPN insider Jeff Darlington provided an update on Flores. He admitted that the Houston Texans make the most logical sense on paper due to the coach’s connections to both GM Nick Caserio and VP Jack Easterby. However, he made it clear that the Bears have a better shot than people think. A big reason why is thanks to a seed that was planted last August.
I mentioned the Flores/Easterby connection as a reason to watch Houston, but here’s a reason to also keep Bears in mind for Flo:
Bears execs were extremely impressed with Flores when they got an up-close look at him during joint practices in August. Could now become meaningful.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 17, 2022
The Bears held joint practices with Miami for two days prior to their preseason game.
This gave team higher-ups unfettered access to how Flores ran his operation. By most accounts, he is a detailed and intense guy. Big on everybody doing their job the right way. Compared to Matt Nagy who had a reputation for somewhat messy practices, one can understand why Flores came across as impressive. What he was able to get out of that Dolphins roster can’t be overstated.
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This revelation by Darlington is 100% noteworthy. It means the organization was interested in him before they even knew he’d be available and that their own head coaching job would come open. That is why the interview came together so fast. According to a source, it went well. Flores made a good first impression. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear he’s one of the candidates that gets a second look in the coming week.
Brian Flores decision may come down to Bears GM search
Of course, this doesn’t guarantee anything. Chicago isn’t the only team interested in the former head coach. Houston might have the inside track if they’re determined enough. The New York Giants were also tagged as a strong possibility though they might be hesitant to go down the Patriots path again after the Joe Judge disaster. Right now the Texans have the edge because they have a GM already in place and he has deep ties to the coach.
The Bears haven’t even completed their first round of interviews with GM candidates yet. A list that has ballooned to 15 over the past couple of days. They seem intent on getting that job filled first, then letting the GM dictate where he wants to go at head coach. For Brian Flores to become a serious contender, that man would have to be a big admirer of his. Never a guarantee in the NFL.
That said, the Bears are interviewing multiple candidates that have ties to him.
Dolphins senior personnel executive Reggie McKenzie arrived in Miami the same year he did. They worked together every season he was there. Monti Ossenfort, the Titans VP of player personnel, was with the New England Patriots for several years when Flores was an assistant there. Eliot Wolf is also getting a look. He has worked with the Patriots as a personnel executive since 2020. There also could be other candidates to consider if they become sold on Flores being their guy. A fascinating situation to watch.
