Connect with us

Steelers News

Brian Flores Credits Mike Tomlin for Development as Coach

Published

on

Steelers LBs Coach Brian Flores

Brian Flores said he learned a lot from Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in his introductory press conference as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator on Wednesday.

Flores thanked Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers staff for taking him in after he was fired by the Miami Dolphins last January.

“The Rooney Family, Mike T, Omar [Khan], My time in Pittsburgh was tremendous, although short-lived,” Flores said. “I felt like I made some great relationships there that will last for a long, long time, so my time there was great.”

Flores credited Tomlin for his approach to the “weighty downs” of football and feels that he’ll be a better defensive coordinator after having coached for the Steelers.

Flores was still in the running to be the Arizona Cardinals head coach when he accepted the position with the Vikings, but said he had a feeling that this would be a better opportunity for him and his family.

“You get a gut feeling,” he said. “I think we’ve all kind of had those. This was the place for me and my family. This was the right opportunity.”

Flores said a message from his pastor in Pittsburgh solidified the decision for him.

“He said, ‘In life, there’s instances where you can have control or you can have growth. You can’t have both.’ That hit me pretty good.”

He also said that his sons, big fans of Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, were happy with the choice.

RELATED: How could the Steelers replace Brian Flores?