Pittsburgh Steelers special defensive assistant Brian Flores appears to be a candidate for at least one of the NFL's five head-coaching openings.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Arizona Cardinals have requested permission from the Steelers to interview Flores, who spent three years as head coach of the Dolphins prior to landing in Pittsburgh for this season.
The 41-year-old former longtime New England Patriots assistant filed a bombshell racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins, and several other teams following his dismissal by Miami at the conclusion of the 2021 campaign.
In his landmark lawsuit, Flores alleges that he was wrongfully terminated in part because he refused to comply with a tanking approach that would net the Dolphins more favorable draft picks. He also claims that he fell out of favor with team brass after he walked out of a surprise meeting with owner Stephen Ross and then-Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on the grounds that it constituted tampering.
The Dolphins when 24-25 under Flores, with winning records in each of his final two seasons -- 10-6 and 9-8. However, they fell short of the playoffs both times.
The Cardinals are seeking new leadership after parting ways with both general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the latter being let go after compiling a 28-37 record and one postseason berth in four seasons at the helm.
The Cardinals were one of five teams interviewing head-coaching candidates, joining the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Cleveland Browns were interested in interviewing Flores for their opening at defensive coordinator. Former DC Joe Woods was let go at season's end after three year in the role.
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