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Stealers Issue Final Announcement After Second Interview Round With Vikings DC Brian Flores – A Decision Never Seen in the Team's 93-Year History

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – January 19, 2026

For nearly a century, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been defined by stability, restraint, and loyalty to tradition. But on Monday night, the franchise built on steel-hard principles did something it had never done before.

Immediately following a second interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Steelers released an internal statement signaling the conclusion of their evaluation process — a move that league sources say has never occurred in the franchise’s 93-year history.

The interview itself was described as lengthy, direct, and uncompromising. It went far beyond schematic discussions or blitz packages. Steelers leadership focused instead on foundational pillars: leadership philosophy, locker-room authority, and the ability to withstand pressure when mistakes are no longer an option.

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Flores entered the room with a reputation as a coach who does not bend. Under his guidance, the Vikings built an aggressive, disciplined defensive identity capable of adapting on the fly. For a Steelers organization historically defined by defense, the alignment went far deeper than résumé appeal.

In the statement issued after the meeting, the Steelers made clear this was no longer a fact-finding stage:

“We have completed a second interview with Brian Flores and are now one final step away from reaching a final agreement. This process has been comprehensive, extending beyond strategy to leadership, accountability, and long-term alignment with the standards of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

According to sources familiar with the discussions, that final step is more than procedural. The Steelers and Flores are actively negotiating a set of preferential terms — including expanded influence over defensive personnel decisions, a stronger voice within the coaching structure, and long-term assurances that the organization has never previously extended to a coordinator-level coach.

That detail has drawn attention across the league. The Steelers are known for their conservative approach to negotiations, but this time, they appear willing to adjust long-standing precedent in exchange for stability and identity — qualities Flores embodies.

While no contract has been finalized, the message is unmistakable. The Steelers are no longer weighing options. They are standing at the edge of a defining decision.

And when a franchise that has resisted change for 93 years begins to rewrite its own rules, the rest of the NFL understands one thing clearly — the moment of transition is very close.

After learning he is on the cut list, a Pro Bowl superstar with more than 6,000 career yards for the Vikings has sent shockwaves through the NFL by expressing his desire to join the Jacksonville Jaguars for the final chapter of his career.
The NFL offseason has just begun, yet a wave of buzz has already emerged as the Minnesota Vikings are rumored to be preparing roster cuts to restructure the team. With the salary cap tightening and a clear youth movement taking shape, a veteran running back has suddenly become the focal point of league-wide attention. The Vikings are believed to be ready to part ways with a running back who once played a significant role in the offense. Despite posting a debut season of more than 1,000 rushing yards and five touchdowns, he has struggled with injuries and a gradual decline in form in recent years. As Minnesota looks for financial flexibility and offensive renewal, the possibility of a release appears increasingly unavoidable. Aaron Jones is the name that has truly stunned the NFL. The Pro Bowler with more than 6,000 career rushing yards has not chosen to remain silent and wait for his future to be decided. Instead, Jones has unexpectedly expressed his desire to join the Jacksonville Jaguars for the final stage of his career — a statement that immediately sent ripples across the AFC landscape. On the surface, the move feels unconventional, given Jones’ long history in the NFC North. But for him, this is not about divisions or rivalries. The Jaguars are quietly building a physical, disciplined identity centered around balance and toughness — an approach Jones believes aligns perfectly with his downhill running style and veteran mindset. “I look at Jacksonville and see a team heading in the right direction,” Jones said. “They play with intent, they value physical football, and they’re serious about building something sustainable. The culture Coach  Liam Coen and that locker room are creating really resonates with me. Honestly, I feel like my game fits what they’re trying to do.” From a football perspective, the Jaguars offer an intriguing situation. With a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and a roster that no longer needs one player to carry the entire offense, Jones could step into a complementary veteran role — providing experience, pass protection, and stability while helping elevate a young team with playoff ambitions. For the Vikings, moving on from Aaron Jones may be a difficult but necessary step in reshaping their roster. For the Jaguars, it represents a low-risk, high-upside opportunity to add leadership and reliability. And for Jones, the interest in Jacksonville is not simply about finding a new team — it’s about choosing the right environment to close his NFL career playing the brand of football he has always believed in.