Steve Spagnuolo is the key to the Chiefs’ defense on the field and in the locker room
By Faith Pinnow, WEBN Correspondent
The motto was printed across t-shirts sported by Chiefs players following their NFC championship victory over the Ravens on Jan. 28.
“Spags,” officially known as Steve Spagnuolo, is the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s been credited with the success of the team’s defense, which stands as the No. 2 unit in the league.
Spagnuolo joined the Chiefs coaching staff in 2019, helping to lead the team to their first Super Bowl title of the Mahomes era. During Super Bowl LIV (the last time the 49ers and the Chiefs met in the championship), Spagnuolo’s scheme held San Francisco to zero points in the second half. His scheme allowed Mahomes and co. to march back from a 10-point deficit and secure the win.
Last season, Spagnuolo’s unit put up another tough performance and brought home a ring. They tallied up 55 sacks, the second most in the NFL behind their Super Bowl opponents, the Philadelphia Eagles. Even with a young squad (five rookies played a key role in the defense), the Chiefs had a 35.7% quarterback pressure rate.
Heading into their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, the Chiefs’ defense looks better than ever. Including the postseason, they rank second in league scoring defense (16.8 PPG) and first in sack rate (8.6%).
“From the front end to the back end, we’re clicking on all cylinders,” Chiefs defensive end Mike Dana said.
Spagnuolo is to credit for the on-field chemistry of the defense, however, Dana noted that the defensive coordinator has had an impact on players off the gridiron as well.
“Every defensive meeting, he’s having slides of bible verse. He’s always giving us lifestyle tips, how to be off the field,” Dana said. “I got a lot of respect for him simply because I know how he is off the field. I got so much respect for what he stands for.”
“I got a lot of love for coach Spags. He’s been there for me since day one and is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had in my life,” Dana said.
In the postseason, the Chiefs defense is allowing 13.7 points per game, making them a tough matchup against talented offensive opponents.