KANSAS City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and the team’s stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are the faces of the team’s dynasty run, but one coach should also be receiving his flowers.
The Chiefs are back-to-back defending Super Bowl champions and the franchise can thank a key coordinator for their achievements.
Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates with head coach Andy Reid after winning Super Bowl 57 in 2023[/caption]
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo takes the field before an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings in 2023[/caption]
Since winning the first of the team’s three Super Bowls under Reid in 2019, Kansas City has been known for its high-powered offenses led by the two-time NFL MVP Mahomes.
The Chiefs get the most out of their playmakers thanks to Reid’s playcalling and Mahomes’ abilities – whether it’s displayed inside or outside of the pocket.
But Kansas City hasn’t necessarily relied on Reid, Mahomes, or Kelce during their run as the defense, led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, has been an unsung hero, and that fact is looking more accurate than ever this season.
Spagnuolo has been the Chiefs defensive coordinator since 2019 and his unit has ranked in the top seven in each of his years.
Kansas City has made the Super Bowl in four of the last five seasons and the team’s defense was the driving force of their 2023-24 successful campaign.
The unit allowed the second-fewest points per game (17.3) and recorded 57 sacks, the second most in franchise history.
The Chiefs players gravitate toward Spagnuolo and it was shown after last season’s AFC Championship win over the Baltimore Ravens when safety Justin Field made his own shirts for the defensive backs, filled with photos of the 64-year-old and the words “In Spags We Trust.”
But Spagnuolo doesn’t need or want the spotlight – he prefers to let others receive the attention, even when things are going well.
“I’m way too humble,” he told reporters after revealing he didn’t want the t-shirt. “It’s a great compliment. I love those guys for that. But I’d much rather have them be under the rug somewhere.”
The 2024 Chiefs have struggled offensively, especially Mahomes, who’s thrown six touchdowns compared to eight interceptions in six games.
But Kansas City is the only undefeated NFL team at 6-0, so who’s been carrying them to victory after victory?
That would be the Chiefs’ defense which hasn’t allowed 20 or more points since their Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kansas City also has a seemingly easy schedule ahead of them when it comes to facing opposing quarterbacks which include Bo Nix, Bryce Young, and Gardner Minshew, among others.
So expect their current defensive ranking (No. 10) to improve.
Spagnuolo talks with former Chiefs and current New Orleans Saints star Tyrann Mathieu after an October game[/caption]
Mahomes talks with head coach Andy Reid before the start of Super Bowl 58 in February[/caption]
Spagnuolo has coached plenty of talented players during his run with the Chiefs including Chris Jones, L’Jarius Sneed, Tyrann Mathieu, and Trent McDuffie, among others.
His blitz-heavy schemes leave opposing signal-callers in fits of rage.
It’s no wonder that Spagnuolo was the New York Giants defensive coordinator during the two Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011.
The first SB victory knocked off the then-perfect New England Patriots.
He is the only defensive coordinator to win four Super Bowls in NFL history.
Spagnuolo’s cool, calm, and collected manner combined with his playcalling and blitz scheme will get his statue enrished in the Hall of Fame one day.
“He’s a mentor and he’s a father figure in a lot of ways to a lot of the guys,” Reid said about Spagnulo after the team’s AFC Championship win in January.
“He’s such a great coach and such a great man.”
