Van Noy explains Flores ‘no comment’ remark
Ex-Miami Dolphins linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s recent response to a question about Brian Flores hinted he did not have a good relationship with his former coach.
Last week, when asked about the difference he saw between Flores as head coach of the Dolphins and as linebackers coach for the New England Patriots, Van Noy said “no comment.”
His terse response during his introductory video conference with New England media after re-joining the Patriots on a two-year deal last week suggested there was a deepseated animosity between the two.
But during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show over the weekend, Van Noy reiterated his surprise and disappointment about his release from the Dolphins and explained why he declined to comment when asked about Flores.
“Honestly, I’m just as shocked as you are about it,” Van Noy said, via WEEI. “I truly don’t know. And the no comment thing, it’s funny. I’m damned either way. I’m damned if I give him praise, I look disingenuous. I’m damned if I say negative things. I look like a salty you-know-what, and I just figured no comment was the best situation for that because now you can run it however you want.
“It was very surprising. I had no idea it was coming. I got a phone call about it and kept it moving. There’s no hard feelings. I had every defensive coach call me, I had players call me just as shocked as I was. It was their decision and that’s OK. As everyone says, ‘It’s business.’ ”
Van Noy, 29, was cut by the Dolphins after just one season into his fouryear, $51 million deal ( just $15 million of which was guaranteed) in what was a cost-cutting move.
Van Noy is coming off one of his best seasons with six sacks while recording career highs with 10 tackles for loss and six pass deflections.
The two-time Super Bowl champion who played under Flores when both were in New England said he couldn’t be happier rejoining the Patriots.