Dolphins interested in Pats LB coach Flores

The Dolphins are expected to hire Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores as their next head coach, according to NFL Network. The Dolphins, though, can’t strike a deal with him officially until after the Patriots are finished with the playoffs.

A three-year letter-winning linebacker at Boston College, Flores has worked for the Patriots since 2004, first breaking into the organization in the personnel department as a scouting assistant and eventually transitioning into coaching as an assistant in 2008.

He has served in a variety of roles: defensive assistant, offensive assistant/special-teams coach, safeties coach and finally linebackers coach. This season also saw him take over defensive play-calling duties after the departure of Matt Patricia, and the results bode well. The Patriots finished seventh in the NFL in points allowed per game (20.3).

Fangio won’t have Kubiak

Former coach Gary Kubiak won’t be running the Broncos’ offense under new coach Vic Fangio, as had been expected.

Although Kubiak will not be on Fangio’s staff because of differing ideas about the team’s potential offensive philosophy and staffing, sources said, he will continue in his role as a senior personnel adviser to general manager John Elway.

After rejecting Kubiak’s return to the field, the Broncos set their sights on 49ers quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello. But ESPN reported that the 49ers denied the Broncos’ request to interview him for their offensive-coordinator job.

Joseph named Cardinals’ DC

Former Broncos coach Vance Joseph was hired as the defensive coordinator on new Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury’s staff. Joseph was fired Dec. 31 after two seasons leading the Broncos. He has 14 years of coaching experience in the NFL, 12 on the defensive side of the ball.

Roman new Ravens’ OC

Ravens tight ends coach Greg Roman will take over offensive-coordinator duties from Marty Mornhinweg, who decided to depart. Roman, 46, is in his second stint with the Ravens.

This and that

The Browns are working on a deal with former Cardinals coach Steve Wilks to become their defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network.

♦ Gregg Williams, who ended the season as the Browns’ interim coach, is close to being hired as the Jets’ defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network.

♦ Mike Pettine is staying as defensive coordinator of the Packers.