The Chicago Bears have continued to receive great news this week after an improbable comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round. Not only are the Packers reportedly leaning toward keeping Matt LaFleur, who oversaw Green Bay's playoff collapse, but it appears that another capable coach could be leaving the NFC North. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in hiring current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their open head coach position. This is after Mike Tomlin opted to walk away from the position of his own volition and left the Steelers searching for answers.
For the Bears, watching Flores walk away would be yet another perfect development in what has been an exciting 2025 season. Minnesota's DC is known for his exotic blitzes and ability to create turnovers against the opposing quarterback. It is always a challenge facing off against a Flores-led defense, and that is the one remaining piece that has made the Vikings a difficult matchup.
Playing the Vikings next season without Flores, given the team's current lack of answers at quarterback, seems far less daunting. Considering also the mental advantage that the Bears now have over the Packers, there is little standing between Chicago and NFC North domination. While the Detroit Lions cannot be completely discounted, it appears they are also on the downturn, despite getting the better of Chicago this past season.
Bears' Hopes of NFC North Domination Bolstered Yet Again with Latest Vikings Report
Flores has previously served as a head coach during his time with the Miami Dolphins, leading the franchise to two winning seasons despite plenty of questions at quarterback. It makes sense for the Steelers to be intrigued by the stability of a proven coach to replace the legend of Tomlin. In addition to the stability, Flores presents a fresh defensive perspective for a franchise that remains extremely talented on the defensive side of the roster.
Chicago seems to continually be picking up wins during the playoffs, even when they aren't on the field. Watching the league, it is easy to make the case that Ben Johnson's team is here to stay in the NFC. It has all of its young stars locked up for the foreseeable future, and the NFC North continues to grow weaker, regardless of whether Pittsburgh opts to hire Flores.
This speaks to what an exciting time it is for a franchise that had been mired in mediocrity for far too long. The landscape has officially changed, and with a win this weekend, not only the North but the NFC will be proven to run through Chicago. Giving Flores every reason to want to find a new landing spot and for the Vikings to reevaluate the direction they are heading.