Chiefs Coach Reveals He Ultimately Wants to Leave Kansas City
By Joe Summers
Beloved Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is widely recognized as the NFL's best at his craft, though he recently revealed he still has larger aspirations before it's all said and done.
Spagnuolo has been in Kansas City since 2019. He's only had one head coaching opportunity, a failed stint with the then-St. Louis Rams from 2009-2011 but based on his latest comments, he wants another one.
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Week 18, Spagnuolo iterated that he's focused on the Denver Broncos matchup yet does covet a chance to serve as a head coach again.
Steve Spagnuolo Still Wants Another Head Coach Job
#Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo says yes, he would like another opportunity to be an NFL head coach: "Right now, it's all about Denver. I hadn't even thought about that until you just mentioned it."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 2, 2025
It's a bit curious that Spagnuolo hasn't received another job considering how many less-accomplished people have landed head coaching gigs in the same time frame. Spagnuolo was just 10-38 leading the Rams but has clearly learned a lot, spearheading numerous elite defenses since being fired.
Andy Reid has publicly supported Spagnuolo and believes he deserves the chance. Even still, it's a scary notion to imagine this team without Spagnuolo calling the shots on defense.
During his six years in charge, Spagnuolo turned the unit from a laughingstock into one of the NFL's best on a consistent basis. Fans all remember the disastrous Bob Sutton years, so imagining someone else on the sidelines is a scary thought.
At 65 years old though, some teams may not want to invest in Spagnuolo long-term. The league has shifted to preferring younger, fresher voices, but there are plenty of examples that show why that may be a bad idea. Would the Bengals be better off with Spagnuolo instead of Zac Taylor? What about the Raiders instead of Antonio Pierce or the Patriots instead of Jerod Mayo?
The answer is probably yes to all three and several other franchises too. Perhaps Spagnuolo will land some interviews this offseason and get the opportunity he seeks. While Chiefs fans support him and want him to pursue his dreams, everyone in Kansas City secretly hopes he stays with the organization and keeps churning out excellent defenses.
For now, all in the building are focused on the elusive three-peat and what would be Spagnuolo's fifth Super Bowl ring.
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