The Pittsburgh Steelers hired former Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores to be a defensive assistant/linebackers coach. Flores had a pretty successful coaching gig in Miami, despite being fired after the 2021 season. Flores led Miami to their first back-to-back winning seasons in almost 20 years. It’s safe to say there was a lack of appreciation for what he was able to do in just three years with the Dolphins team.
Steelers give praise to Flores:
In his short time with the Steelers, defenders have gone out of their way to give Flores praise. Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith says, “He’s added so much value” via WXPI’s Jenna Harner. “I’m just thankful for Coach Tomlin bringing him in and being in the linebacker room. I’ve already learned so much from him…I can see why he’s been a head coach in this league.”
Steelers linebacker coach Brian Flores instructs linebackers during drills at OTA’s today pic.twitter.com/QZeLt1XpZ4
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 24, 2022
Myles Jack with the voice of Brian Flores in the background pic.twitter.com/pcmtROw6nT
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 26, 2022
Devin Bush on Flores:
One Steelers that is looking for a big bounce back season is linebacker Devin Bush. Bush is a former first-round pick and want’s to improve on his disappointing 2021 season. Bush also had high praise for Flores for his coaching ability, but also his willingness to talk about stuff outside of football. “Having him in the room is outstanding. He’s a guy that is real football-minded. He loves the game. You can ask him any type of question, have any type of discussion with him. Talk about football or life, honestly.”
Myles Jack and his unique connection with Flores:
Flores has pretty much been a part of the Steelers whole offseason. He contributed to Pittsburgh’s draft process and played a large role in recruiting free agent Myles Jack. Jack gave credit to Flores as one of the main reasons he wanted to come to Pittsburgh saying, “He’s a great coach. I saw what he did last year in Miami, how he turned that whole thing around. I think it was amazing what he did. After I told Coach Tomlin we were definitely going to make this thing happen. I actually got a chance to talk with Coach Flores, and we both kind of came to the agreement that we both have something to prove. Him feeling his way in his situation and myself feeling like, getting released , I feel like I got a second chance at life, I’m just super excited. I feel like we just kind of vibe about that connection. I’m very excited to work with him and just see what I can learn and see how we can collaborate to make this thing go.”
Mike Tomlin on Flores:
The Steelers gave the defensive coordinator job to Teryl Austin, after the retirement of Keith Butler. Butler was a part of the Steelers coaching staff since 2003. Flores may be the most overqualified assistant coach in the whole NFL. Flores won 3 Super Bowls as a defensive assistant with the Patriots. Coach Tomlin is excited to have Flores on board, saying “Senior defensive assistant and linebacker coach is his title, but there’s help that he’s going to help us and me, in particular. I love sharpening my sword on his and gaining a perspective that his experiences provide, that wise counsel. We’re talking about a myriad of things. Whether it’s calendar, whether it’s taking care of players, whether it’s the acquisition or evaluation of talent, it’s been fun to have him. His contributions are going to be significant.”
It sounds like Flores will be of much value to the Steelers coaching staff this season.
