Brian Flores fits what Jets need but many questions must be answered

The Jets have interviewed 10 head coaching candidates already and have another seven that they have requested and are expected to interview.That list is long but one name that may be the most intriguing on it is Brian Flores.Flores, a Brooklyn native, is expected to interview virtually with the Jets on Friday.The 43-year-old is a fascinating candidate for the job and may test The 33rd Team, the group assisting the Jets in their search.Flores is a candidate who has previous experience as a head coach.

He spent three years as the Dolphins head coach from 2019-21 and went 24-25, posting winning records in each of his last two years there.The idea of hiring a head coach with experience in the job is attractive to the Jets, who have hired mostly first-time head coaches during Woody Johnson’s time as owner.But Flores’ time in Miami also brings with it many questions that need to be answered.Flores seemingly was not fired by the Dolphins because he was a bad football coach.

Owner Stephen Ross said there was a lack of a “collaborative” environment in the organization with Flores.Stories emerged of Flores clashing with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, general manager Chris Grier and a number of assistant coaches.

The Dolphins had four offensive coordinators in three years under Flores and two defensive coordinators.Flores was painted as hard to work with and arrogant.Last week, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played for Flores in Miami in 2019 and ’20, said that Flores became a “dictator.”“But, when people say, ‘Give me somebody from Miami that coached under you as a reference, so we can talk to them,’ I think he burned a lot of bridges there.I think he alienated himself from the entire staff,” Fitzpatrick said on the “Fitz & Whit” podcast.

“Instead of what you were just talking about, having the humility to ask questions, to collaborate, I think by the end of his time there he became a dictator.He ruined a lot of relationships that he built up through ...