Falcons Interview Brian Flores for Defensive Coordinator Opening
Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Brian Flores has interviewed for yet another coaching opportunity, this time with the Atlanta Falcons.
Flores interviewed with the Falcons for their defensive coordinator opening, according to a report by https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1616183396782194699″>Ian
Rapoport of NFL Network. The Falcons requested permission for the interview from the Steelers last week.
The Steelers senior defensive assistant interviewed for, but ultimately did not get, the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator job.
He is also a candidate — and perhaps the leading candidate — to be the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
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The Falcons are looking to replace Dean Pees, who announced his retirement on Jan. 9. Atlanta finished the 2022 season No. 23 in scoring defense, but No. 7 in yards per play allowed.
The Steelers hired Flores to be their senior defensive assistant back in February, after he was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins and unable to find another head coach or coordinator position after suing the NFL and alleging racial bias in hiring practices, among other things, last January.
With Flores and new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin running the ship, the Steelers defense improved dramatically from 2021. The Steelers went from the No. 20 scoring defense to No. 10, and went from No. 32 against the run to No. 9, despite missing star outside linebacker T.J. Watt for seven games.
Regardless of whether it’s as a coordinator or head coach, it seems likely the Flores will receive a promotion at some point this offseason, and leave the Steelers with a defensive vacancy to fill.
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