Brian Flores interviews with Broncos
He has emerged as the Patriots' de facto defensive coordinator.
The Broncos interviewed Patriots de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their vacant head coaching position Saturday, one day after he interviewed for the same position with the Dolphins and the Packers.
Flores is, by title, the Patriots’ linebackers coach, but was elevated to a larger role that includes play-calling this year after Matt Patricia left for Detroit. Flores has been a popular candidate with teams this coaching cycle. In addition to Miami, Green Bay, and Denver, Flores is also slated to interview for the Browns job, according to ESPN.
According to Mike Klis, who covers the Broncos for Denver’s 9News, Flores is considered a “long shot’’ for that job. General manager John Elway is also looking at Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, former Colts coach Chuck Pagano, Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak, and Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor.
While the Patriots’ coaching staff has to be on top of the wild-card games, ready to jump into game-planning action, the players get to watch the games just like you might.
Center David Andrews said he’d definitely watch the AFC games, and probably all four of them this weekend. It’s a way to get ahead on potential future opponents, yes, but it’s also a chance to sit on the couch and hang.
“I think it’s really important — I like to just take a deep breath. I don’t really like to go anywhere, just kind of relax, stay at home,’’ Andrews said Thursday. “I’ll definitely watch most of the games, if not all of them — definitely the AFC games. Texans-Colts is Saturday, right? So, that kind of really determines what’s going to happen for us, but you never really leave the game.
“But, it’s nice just to take a deep breath and really kind of lock in for these – you’ve got a one-week season here, so give it all you got.’’
Receiver Phillip Dorsett said he’d sneak in a workout over the bye weekend, but, beyond that, was ready to relax and hopefully see some exciting games.
“I will watch the games because I like football,’’ Dorsett said. ’’Obviously, I want to know who we’re going to play, but I’m just going to be watching.’’
Most players said they planned on watching most of the games, though a few said they wouldn’t be glued. The bye is both a mental and a physical break.
“I’ll probably watch half of it,’’ safety Patrick Chung said Thursday. “I’ll probably be chilling with my little man. It’s time for me to get football off my mind. I’ll be back ready to go Monday.’’
