Cleveland Browns request to interview Patriots LB coach Brian Flores
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns list of candidates they want to interview for the head coaching job is starting to appear, with the team wanting to interview Patriots coach Brian Flores.
The Cleveland Browns have requested permission to interview New England Patriots linebackers coach, Brian Flores, for their head coaching vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Flores has been with the Patriots organization since 2004. He has spent time as a scouting assistant, pro scout, special teams assistant, offense and special teams assistant, defensive assistant, safeties coach, and linebackers coach.
Following the departure of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia last off-season, the Patriots made Flores the de facto defensive coordinator for 2018, despite never officially giving him the title.
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In 2018, the Patriots ranked 21st in total defense, allowing 359.1 yards per game. However, New England allowed the seventh fewest points in the league, giving up 20.3 points per game. The Patriots ranked in the bottom half of the league against the pass, but were a top-12 team against the run.
The 37-year-old defensive coach is widely known among NFL fans for sending in former Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler into the game during Super Bowl 49. Butler would go on to make the game-winning interception at the goal line against the Seahawks (3:30 mark of video).
The Patriots have run more of a multiple system defense instead of featuring more of a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. They will have four down linemen on occasions, but will also have their linebackers stand up on the edge of the line of scrimmage.
It is important to note, because the Browns have been building up their defense to fit defensive coordinator’s Gregg Williams’ 4-3 scheme. Due to a hybrid scheme, the Browns would not have to tear apart their personnel to fit a potential Flores scheme.
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With the Patriots having a bye in the first week of the playoffs, the Browns will be able to interview Flores this week. However, the Browns would have to wait until the Patriots are knocked out of the playoffs or have finished the Super Bowl before they could have a second interview with Flores.