Mickey Loomis praises “impressive” Brian Flores, following interview
Brian Flores caught the NFL world completely off guard following his stunning lawsuit announcement. Well, everyone besides New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis.
Shortly following the pair’s formal meeting to discuss the head coaching vacancy left by Sean Payton, Loomis revealed that Flores actually informed him that the jaw-dropping lawsuit against the NFL would be coming shortly.
GM Mickey Loomis confirmed that Brian Flores informed the Saints ahead of time that yesterday’s lawsuit would be coming. He said Flores told them after his interview was completed. Called Flores an impressive candidate and said Saints are serious about all of their candidates.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) February 2, 2022
According to Flores, the former Miami Dolphins head coach believes that there is “systematic racism” in NFL hiring practices. Out of 32 head coaching positions, only one team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, has a man of color leading their football squad.
In addition to Flores suing the NFL as a whole, he’s also filed suit against the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos. In the end, Flores is hoping that real change takes place, even if that means he has to become a sacrificial lamb in the process.
“I would love to lead an NFL team,” said Flores on ESPN. “But we need change. If I never coach again and there’s change, it’ll be worth it.”
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Flores is hopeful that he will still be considered a candidate for the current vacancy in New Orleans. While Loomis was noncommittal to whether or not Flores will be given the position, he heaped several superlative words in the direction of the former coach.
“He was very impressive and we had a great interview,” said Loomis as he attended Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl. “It went very well.”