Flores orchestrated the best defenses of the league in his three years with the Vikings. They were based on disguised rushes.

Minnesota’s defense allowed 282.6 yards per game this season, which was the third lowest in the league. It also had six games where it did not allow a touchdown pass. This is the first time since 1988 that a defensive unit has done so.

Flores makes the most of his personnel. Flores, who has been a Ravens safety for 14 years, gave Harrison Smith the freedom to play in any way he wanted this season. Smith, who played on Flores’ defense this season and defeated the Cowboys, said that it was “so fun” to play in Flores’ defense.

Smith told that “Flo” allows for a lot of flexibility and creativity in defense. “When you’ve got a group of guys who understand the game and can communicate at a high-level, it allows us do some things I haven’t done my entire career.”

Flores was the defensive coordinator for the Vikings last season. The Vikings finished with a record of 14-3. Flores’ team allowed the fifth fewest points per game, 19.5, and tied the league leader in takeaways, 33. Flores is a finalist in The Associated Press’ Assistant Coach of the year award.