PITTSBURGH — Brian Flores is back in the NFL.
Former Miami Dolphins Coach, Flores was hired by the Steelers to be their senior defensive assistant. Flores will specialize in working with Pittsburgh’s linebackers, a group that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.
This hiring follows less than three weeks since Flores (Black) sued the NFL, three other teams, and Flores himself for alleged racism in hiring. Flores was the Dolphins’ winning coach before being fired in January.
Flores said that his lawsuit will continue, even if Flores finds another job as a coach. After Keith Butler’s retirement, Flores joins the restructured Pittsburgh defensive team. Teryl Austin was promoted to take Butler’s place earlier this month.
“I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “Brian’s resume speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team.”
Tomlin is the NFL’s longest-tenured Black head coach and one of three Black men to lead teams last season. The other two, Flores and Houston’s David Culley, were fired. Houston hired Lovie Smith (Black) and Miami hired Mike McDaniel (biracial).
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