In a twist worthy of off-season drama, Brian Flores continues to find himself as a key figure shaping the NFL’s complex landscape. Current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, Flores is gaining traction as a potential head coaching candidate, yet his ongoing lawsuit against the NFL for discriminatory hiring practices looms as a pivotal subplot in his career narrative.

A fresh chapter unfolded Sunday when the New England Patriots announced Mike Vrabel as their new head honcho, replacing Jerod Mayo. For Flores, whose roots with the Patriots run deep under legendary coach Bill Belichick, the non-selection carries both personal and professional significance. While he missed out on returning to his old stomping grounds, the scenario arguably bolsters his legal case against the league.

The Patriots’ hiring process has come under scrutiny, reminiscent of the issues highlighted in Flores’ lawsuit. According to a report by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, while the Patriots did tick the box for the Rooney Rule—requiring interviews with at least two minority candidates—the choice of candidates raised eyebrows.

Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton were interviewed for the role, despite not coaching in the NFL since 2022. This has drawn criticism for undermining the spirit of the Rooney Rule, with Aaron Glenn reportedly declining an interview request, earning accolades from peers for not participating in what some perceive as performative compliance.

With every team reportedly gunning for Vrabel, the Patriots moved expeditiously. Yet, this haste inadvertently energizes Flores’ legal assertions.

The labyrinthine tale dates back to when Flores, then a candidate for the New York Giants’ head coaching role, received an premature text from Belichick congratulating him on a job not yet secured. This confusion, resulting from a misdirected congratulation meant for Brian Daboll, added fuel to Flores’ allegations of sham interviews that manipulate opportunities away from deserving minority candidates.

Flores’ odyssey as a head coach came to an abrupt pause following his departure from the Miami Dolphins post-2021. He joined forces with the Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike Tomlin for the 2022 season before transforming the Vikings’ defense. Under his leadership, the Vikings leaped from 29th to 5th in the NFL for points allowed—a testament to his strategic acumen.

With the upcoming coaching carousel spinning, Flores is keeping his options open. He expressed interest in the Patriots’ position, acknowledging the sentimental ties and professional bridges dating back to where his storied NFL journey began. However, he noted, “it’s not up to me” whether the opportunity would come to fruition.

As the Patriots commit to Vrabel, Flores remains a fascinating protagonist in the saga of NFL head coaching searches. While his sights are set on potentially leading a team again, the unfolding of these events could strengthen his foothold with the Vikings, paving the way for a return that might come with its own set of triumphs. As Flores navigates these turbulent waters, whether he stays or embarks on a new chapter, his influence continues to resonate across the league.