Colbert: Steelers ‘Hired a Very Quality Defensive Coach’ in Brian Flores

PITTSBURGH — The hire of Brian Flores was one that took the NFL and Pittsburgh by storm. There are numerous things that Flores as a coach brings to the table, but it is easy to see how overqualified Flores is for the job. When push comes to shove, Mike Tomlin is the one who makes most of the coaching hires, and this one is about as close to a home run as the Steelers can get.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert was asked about the hire of Flores while speaking to the press on Monday, and he had nothing but glowing words to say about the former head coach.

“When he (Mike Tomlin) brought up Coach Flores’s name up as a potential name, I was excited about it. Coach Flores is a successful defensive coordinator and head coach. The really intriguing thing about Brian is he also had a background and started off in the personnel world. So, I’m really excited to get ready to work with him and see what he can bring us from both a coaching viewpoint as well as a personnel viewpoint.”

Flores has an active lawsuit ongoing against the NFL for racial discrimination. So, when the Steelers hired Flores out of the blue on Saturday afternoon, it was met with relatively shocked reactions. For Colbert and the Steelers, however, the move was simply a no-brainer to make. They believe Flores will add new perspectives and coaching talent to the defensive staff.

“I think it says that we hired a very quality defensive coach that can help us win games,” Colbert said. “Beyond that, there’s nothing else to say.”

The Steelers are rightfully excited about bringing Flores onboard. Flores can help scheme up their blitz fronts or the development of their linebackers. Really, this seems like a home run from all angles. With the Steelers’ staff mostly filled out, the defensive staff is one that looks strong.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.