The Cleveland Browns’ coaching search committee continued their mission of finding the next full-time head coach Saturday when the organization confirmed their fifth candidate interview for the vacancy.
After interviewing current interim coach/defensive coordinator Gregg Williams Tuesday and former Indianapolis Colts/Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell Wednesday, the Browns brought in longtime Minnesota Vikings assistant Kevin Stefanski and New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell for formal meetings.
The Browns continued those meetings when they brought in New England Patriots defensive assistant Brian Flores for a formal interview Saturday.
Here are three things to know about Flores as the Browns continue their coaching search:
ROSE THROUGH RANKS WITH PATRIOTS
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.
MULTI-TIME CHAMPION
Flores has known plenty of success since getting into the NFL, as the Patriots have been a model of consistency in professional football.
Flores has been a part of 14 AFC East Division title-winning teams in the last 15 seasons, including 10 straight crowns. Also, Flores has been part of six AFC Championship Game victories in 10 trips to the final conference game of the season.
The Patriots have played in seven straight AFC Championship games, and could make it eight consecutive appearances this season.
Additionally, Flores has been a part of three championship-winning staffs, including Super Bowls XXXIX, XLIX and LI.
MALCOLM BUTLER SUB IN SUPER BOWL
Everybody remembers the Super Bowl-winning play that defensive back Malcolm Butler made in Super Bowl XLIX when he jumped the route of a receiver and intercepted a pass from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at the goal line.
But what some do not know is Flores made the substitution to put Butler, a rookie, into the game, saying “Malcolm, Go!” That moment was caught on camera by an NFL Films crew shooting the game.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
