Adam Thielen Backs Brian Flores for Coaching Role

Former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen voices his support for defensive coordinator Brian Flores to return to a head coaching job.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football

Adam Thielen Backs Brian Flores for Coaching Role

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Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen recently shared his belief that current defensive coordinator Brian Flores deserves another chance at a head coaching position. The Vikings are currently enjoying a strong start to the season with a 6-0 record under the team's current coaching staff.

Why it matters

Flores has previously held a head coaching position with the Miami Dolphins and is currently navigating his second season as the defensive coordinator for the Vikings. His future career path remains a subject of speculation among players and league observers.

Brian Flores holds a 24-25 record as a head coach from his tenure with the Miami Dolphins, where he achieved a peak season record of 10-6. The Minnesota Vikings are currently maintaining an undefeated 6-0 record this season.

The players

Adam Thielen

He is an experienced professional wide receiver who spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Brian Flores

He currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings and previously led the Miami Dolphins as their head coach.

Minnesota Vikings

This is a professional American football team that competes in the North Division of the National Football Conference.

Miami Dolphins

This is a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area that competes in the American Football Conference.

T.J. Hockenson

He is a professional football player currently playing as a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings.

The details

Adam Thielen expressed his perspective on Flores in a video released on October 27, highlighting his confidence in the coach's abilities. Flores has previously filed a class-action racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and several teams during his career.

Brian Flores served as head coach for the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021.
T.J. Hockenson provided comments to reporters regarding Kyler Murray on October 25, 2026.
Adam Thielen provided his comments on Flores on October 27, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The conversation regarding Flores's future is shaped by the legal context of the Brian Flores class-action racial discrimination lawsuit, which continues to influence perceptions of coaching hiring practices in the NFL. This discussion marks a departure from typical performance-based career talk by incorporating the complexities of his ongoing legal challenge against the league.

The defensive coordinator's potential departure remains a major variable for the Vikings' defensive consistency heading into the remainder of the schedule. Any changes in the coaching staff could significantly shift the team's strategic rotation and future defensive efficacy.

The takeaway

While team performance remains the primary focus for the 6-0 Vikings, the career trajectory of their staff is a critical narrative for the league. Fans should monitor coaching vacancy announcements as the regular season progresses toward the playoffs.