Patriots LB coach Brian Flores inches towards the top of the Arizona Cardinals head coaching list

The New England Patriots were expecting to lose offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, respectively, and it would appear they’re in real jeopardy of losing a third coach.

Linebackers coach Brian Flores is moving towards the top of the list for the Arizona Cardinals head coaching vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak, considered one of the favorites, declined the opportunity for a second round interview.

Muchak is one of two candidates known to have received a request for a second round interview with the Cardinals, along with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach John DeFilippo. Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is also expected to get a second round interview, along with Cardinals current defensive coordinator (and former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians’ recommendation) James Bettcher.

But that means that Flores is now one of the final four and, according to ArizonaSports.com’s Mike Jurecki, Flores is now the favorite for the job since Munchak dropped out of the conversation.

Will he get the job? We’ll likely have to wait another couple weeks because Flores and DeFilippo cannot be interviewed again until after Sunday’s games because they’re both still competing. Wilks and Bettcher are available to interview immediately.

Flores is considered the favorite to be the Patriots next defensive coordinator and if he leaves for the Cardinals head coaching job, there will be a serious dearth of experience on the defensive side of the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bill Belichick had to get creative to supplement the staff currently on the roster.