The Cleveland Browns’ search committee continued their work looking for the next full-time head coach, and the process continued Saturday when New England Patriots defensive assistant Brian Flores was interviewed.
The Browns confirmed the interview on their official Twitter account Saturday night.
Flores has nearly a dozen years of coaching experience at the NFL level, all of which have come in New England. Currently, Flores is serving as de-facto defensive coordinator for the Patriots while also handling the dual role of linebackers coach.
While not holding the official title of defensive coordinator, Flores has handled the play-calling duties for the Patriots, who won their 10th straight AFC East Division Championship and clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
Flores began his NFL career as a scouting assistant with the Patriots (2004-2005) and moved up to pro scout (2006-2007) before getting involved in coaching.
During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Flores was a special-teams assistant, and in 2010, added offensive assistant to his responsibilities with the coverage and return units.
In 2011, Flores transitioned to defensive assistant, and then, spent four years as the Patriots’ secondary coach (2012-2015). Prior to the 2016 season, Flores was elevated to linebackers coach.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Flores holds two degrees from Boston College, a bachelor’s in English and master’s in administrative studies. Flores was a three-year letter-winner and two-season starter at linebacker for the Eagles and part of four bowl-winning teams.
Flores is the fifth interview candidate confirmed by the Browns this week, along with current interim coach/defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Jim Caldwell, the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, current Minnesota Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell.
Williams interviewed for the full-time opening on Tuesday, and Caldwell followed on Wednesday. Stefanski’s interview was moved up to Thursday after reportedly being scheduled for next week, and Campbell spoke with the team Friday.
