NFL Rumors: Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals Close To Hiring New Head Coach?

While most teams have finished up their head coaching search, the Miami Dolphins have taken their time to make a hire. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins have had a strong interest in New England Patriots defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Brian Flores.

Rapoport on Sunday said a deal to hire Flores "is expected to be completed."

An announcement about Flores' hire could come as soon as the Patriots' playoff run is completed. The Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in the divisional matchup.

Flores, 37, has spent his entire coaching career with the Patriots. He began as a scouting assistant in 2004.

The Patriots previously lost defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who took the Detroit Lions head coaching job. Patricia had also been with the Patriots since 2004.

Rapaport noted that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano might become the Patriots' next defensive coordinator.

The news of Flores joining the Dolphins comes after rumors last week that Los Angeles Rams' quarterback coach Zac Taylor will take the Cincinnati Bengals' head coaching job, replacing Marvin Lewis. Like the Patriots, the Rams are still in the playoffs.

Taylor, 35, has served under 32-year-old head coach Sean McVay in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and ESPN's Dianna Russini both reported that former USC head coach and Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is unlikely to take the offensive coordinator job with the Arizona Cardinals and will instead rejoin Nick Saban's staff at Alabama.

The Cardinals reportedly have an interest in former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo.