If the Patriots decide to move on from Bill Belichick, they could turn to a familiar face as his successor.
Brian Flores, currently serving as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, has emerged as a possible candidate, according to the Boston Globe.
Inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, who played his entire eight-year career with the Patriots, has been tabbed by many as the most likely to replace Belichick.
But Flores and other coaches with ties to the Patriots, like Josh McDaniels, will be in contention, according to NFL Network.
Flores served in various assistant roles with the Patriots from 2008-18 before being hired by the Dolphins as their head coach.
The Dolphins fired Flores after three seasons, owning a 24-25 overall record.
Flores is still in the midst of a lawsuit against the NFL and the Dolphins, Broncos, Giants and Texans for racial discrimination, claiming the league is “rife with racism,” particularly in its hiring and promotion of black coaches.
Flores alleged that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told Flores he wanted him to tank and that he would pay him $100,000 for every loss in order to secure a top draft pick, and that he was not given a fair opportunity by the other teams in his interview process as their potential next head coach.
In March, a federal judge ruled that Flores’ case against the NFL, Giants, Broncos and Texans can move forward in court.
His case against the Dolphins must go to arbitration, however, the court ruled.
With the Patriots entering Week 17 with a 4-11 record, Belichick has expressed doubts about his future with team staff, according to Boston Sports Journal.
The Patriots will miss the playoffs this year for the third time in four seasons.
Owner Robert Kraft plans to move on from Belichick after the season, according to NBC Sports Boston, which added that his fate was sealed after the Patriots’ 10-6 loss to the Colts in Germany on Nov. 12.
