Part of why the Kansas City Chiefs have been so successful in the last few years, outside of the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, is the fact that they have had amazing continuity on Andy Reid’s coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo never garner a ton of outside head coaching interest.
Things might change if Spagnuolo’s defense continues to help Kansas City dominate the rest of the NFL.
While he is a 65-year-old defensive coach, and his past experience in charge of the St. Louis Rams was so wretched that many teams are scared by the prospect of hiring him again, his performance with the Chiefs has been sterling.
Spagnuolo, who interviewed with the Jets and Raiders during this head coaching cycle, might be one more championship away from the NFL deciding he has earned a second chance.
These three teams may need new coaches in 2026, and Spags could be the best man for the job.
3 teams who could hire Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo as head coach in 2026
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts tried the hit young offensive mind route when they lured Shane Steichen away from the Philadelphia Eagles.
While he has been hampered by an often injured and always inaccurate Anthony Richardson as his quarterback, Indy has blown multiple playoff runs in a very weak AFC South.
Provided that Spagnuolo is able to either put together an A+ staff to assist in Richardson’s development or move off him for a better veteran option, his defensive wizardry could be enough for Indy to separate from the rest of the pack in a lackluster division.
2. New York Giants
In a past life, Spags was the mastermind of a Giants defense that helped upset Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. He even returned to New York after his ill-fated St. Louis stint and brief sojourns with New Orleans and Baltimore.
If Brian Daboll struggles again, why not take another look at Spagnuolo?
Spags is already revered in New York, and he will bring a toughness with him that the fanbase will gravitate to.
With the Giants in a position to possibly draft a franchise quarterback and pair him with Malik Nabers, New York may have enough young stars to entice Spagnuolo into a return.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer is either a titanic mistake from Jerry Jones or a clear sign he will be a David Culley-like placeholder until a better candidate comes along.
Jones has typically prioritized past head coaching experience and defensive backgrounds when hiring.
Spagnuolo would be arriving on a team that has Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and (likely) Micah Parsons all locked up long-term.
That should help him establish a baseline floor of competency. If Schottenheimer stinks it up in his first season, Spagnuolo could be a very enticing option for the aging Jones.
