Brian Flores was an early name to watch in the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator search, but after landing former Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker, Dallas fans should feel fortunate the team went in a different direction.
Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports that Brian Flores will make roughly $6 million annually to remain as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator. Flores would have been an attractive option for Dallas, but that salary helps explain why his price tag was always steep.
Jerry Jones may have the money, but Flores’ track record as both a head coach and defensive coordinator was always going to demand top-of-market pay. Through that lens, the Cowboys landing Parker instead of Flores looks like a steal, and even Eagles players have acknowledged as much.
“I don’t think I’d be the player I am…without him.”
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) January 22, 2026
Cooper DeJean on Christian Parker, who appears to be in line for the Cowboys DC job, per @JFowlerESPN.
The respect Eagles defensive players have for him is evident. The success in the DB room speaks for itself. pic.twitter.com/EAD0P1CN55
Brian Flores' price would've been unneccesarily expensive for the Dallas Cowboys
The Vikings’ defense ranked among the NFL’s elite, finishing third in total yards allowed and fifth in points per game. Flores showed he can get the most out of both established and developing talent, helping explain why his price tag landed at the top of the DC market.
Flores already had a long history with the Vikings, making it easy for the organization to re-sign him. While he interviewed for the Commanders' DC opening, it was clear all along that he'd return to Minnesota if he failed to land a head coaching job. And league-wide sentiments suggest that the Parker hire was a home run.
Flores didn’t even need to demand elite money. His résumé did that for him. A four-time Super Bowl champion assistant in New England with experience at nearly every defensive position, Flores was always going to come at a premium.
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Instead, Jerry Jones pivoted, betting on Parker’s upside and giving him a platform to potentially fast-track his rise to a head coaching job. Jones didn't cheap out by not pursuing Flores. If anything, Cowboys fans should be encouraged by the process that led Dallas to Parker. It was unlike anything we've ever seen with this franchise.
Parker's yet to have his introductory press conference, but Jones has already come away impressed by his communication and teaching prowess. The 34-year-old also plans to be more multiple than Matt Eberflus, who insisted on trying to fit square pegs into round holes.
Cowboys fans already love the Christian Parker hire, and avoiding a $6 million annual commitment to Flores makes the decision look even smarter in hindsight.