Steelers add Flores to defensive staff

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores to their staff as a senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach, the team announced Saturday.

"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 head 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."

Flores posted a 24-25 record over three seasons with the Dolphins before the team fired him in a shocking move earlier this year.

Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams - the Dolphins, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos - following his dismissal in Miami, alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices. Flores also stated in his lawsuit that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss during the 2019 season in an effort to secure a top draft pick.

The 40-year-old coach plans to proceed with the lawsuit following his hiring with Pittsburgh.

"We congratulate coach Flores on his new position with the Steelers and thank coach Tomlin and the organization for giving him this great opportunity," Flores' attorney said in a statement obtained by Jonathan Jones of CBS. "While coach Flores is now focused on his new position, he will continue with his race discrimination class action so that real change can be made in the NFL."

Flores interviewed for head coaching vacancies with the Giants, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and New Orleans Saints this offseason.

Flores gained recognition for his work on defense with the New England Patriots before joining the Dolphins in 2019. He served as the Patriots' linebackers coach from 2016-18.