Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is set for a whirlwind Friday, as he will interview virtually with the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars for their vacant head coaching positions. The marathon session comes during the Chiefs’ first-round playoff bye, providing Spagnuolo a window to explore a potential return to a head coaching role.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports first reported Spagnuolo’s packed schedule, with the Jets being the initial team to request an interview, as noted by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Soon after, both the Raiders and Jaguars lined up meetings with the experienced defensive mind, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
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Spagnuolo’s coaching rsum spans more than two decades and includes a Super Bowl win as the defensive coordinator for the 2008 New York Giants. Under his leadership, the Giants’ defense delivered one of the most iconic performances in NFL history, shutting down the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Currently, Spagnuolo is in his fifth season as Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, where he has transformed a once-struggling unit. The Chiefs’ defense, ranked 31st in total defense in 2018, finished the 2023 regular season second in the league. Spagnuolo’s ability to orchestrate such a turnaround, paired with his role in two Kansas City Super Bowl victories, has made him one of the most respected defensive coaches in the NFL.
Spagnuolo’s head coaching experience includes three seasons with the then-St. Louis Rams (2009-2011) and an interim stint with the New York Giants in 2017. While his time with the Rams was marked by mixed results, including a 7-9 season in 2010, he’s remained a sought-after defensive specialist since returning to assistant roles.
Spagnuolo’s championship pedigree makes him a top contender for Jets, Raiders, and Jaguars
His extensive experience, combined with a history of success working under Andy Reid in Kansas City and Philadelphia, makes him a compelling candidate for teams looking to rebuild.
All three teams vying for Spagnuolo’s attention have defensive-minded vacancies to fill. The Jets, following the midseason firing of Robert Saleh, may see Spagnuolo as a natural fit to stabilize their defense and bring a veteran presence to the locker room. Similarly, the Raiders, who parted ways with Antonio Pierce, might prioritize Spagnuolo’s proven track record in developing cohesive defensive units.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, are looking for a leader to elevate a talented but inconsistent team, with Spagnuolo’s championship pedigree potentially making him an attractive option.
Spagnuolo isn’t the only Chiefs figure on the Jets’ radar. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is set to interview for their head coaching role, while assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi is in contention for their GM vacancy, per Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager.
Although Spagnuolo recently signed an extension with the Chiefs, he’s made it clear he would embrace another opportunity to lead a team, telling A to Z Sports that he still has a desire to be a head coach.
With Spagnuolo’s credentials and Kansas City’s continued success, his Friday interview spree may mark the beginning of a new chapter in his storied NFL career.
