An intriguing possibility has come up as we enter this year's NFL general manager/head coach hiring cycle — one that would strip the Vikings of a couple valuable employees. The idea is that Vikings senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson and defensive coordinator Brian Flores could potentially be hired as a GM/HC package deal by one of the teams in need of a new regime.

They were both fired from NFL jobs in part because of abrasive personalities. Has their time in Minnesota prepared them for another shot?

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has done a terrific job this season. But his future in Minnesota seems far more certain than that of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores isn't hiding the fact that he's interested in another head coaching job, but he's not going to jump at just any opportunity that arises, either.

As of Tuesday, the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets had reportedly requested permission to interview Flores for the position. The current vacancies across the NFL include the Bears, Jets, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints and, most recently, Las Vegas Raiders.

Brian Flores is gracefully taking a lot of questions about his head coach prospects. He said he will take every interview that is requested. Asked if he is interested in the Patriots job, he said: "I would say yes." But he added "it's not up to me" if they want to talk.

Brian Flores told reporters on Tuesday that he plans to take every head coaching interview that comes his way. At the time, it was reported that the New York Jets and Chicago Bears had requested interviews with him.

Ryan Fitzpatrick played for Brian Flores the last time he was a head coach with the Miami Dolphins. His assessment of his former head coach getting a new opportunity beyond that of a defensive coordinator is something you have to hear.