Antonio Pierce emerges as intriguing name to join Chiefs coaching staff

While the Kansas City Chiefs front office has plenty of decisions to make in terms of the team’s roster construction in the months to come, the organization also must make some decisions about its own staff members. For Andy Reid, he will have to replace at least one assistant coach and perhaps more, depending or not if Mike Kafka gets the offensive coordinator job with the New York Giants.

The Chiefs already lost their linebackers coach Matt House earlier this winter when he left to join Brian Kelly‘s staff at Louisiana State University. House took the chance to become a defensive coordinator with one of the biggest programs in college football, and the Chiefs haven’t made any overtures to replace him yet.

One name that’s been tossed around on Chiefs' Twitter is an intriguing one that makes a lot of sense: former NFL linebacker Antonio Pierce.

Former NFL linebacker Antonio Pierce has been mentioned as an intriguing option to watch for the opening at linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pierce was most recently employed as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona State Sun Devils under former Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards. However, the ASU program has been mired in an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations and a few staff members have already left Edwards’ staff—including his offensive coordinator Zak Hill.

Then came word on Wednesday that Pierce wanted out as well, per Pete Thamel.

Then our friend Nick Jacobs pointed out a potential connection.

Remember, before the Chiefs decided to bring Matt House in, this was the preferred direction.

Yes, that means that Steve Spagnuolo originally wanted Pierce to be his guy coaching the heart of the defense and House was, at least, the next best option available.

Spags knows Pierce well through their days together with the New York Giants from 2005 to 2009 where he was the captain of the defense. He went to the Pro Bowl with the Giants in 2006 (his only appearance) and won a Super Bowl in 2007. Spags was the defensive coordinator for Pierce in 2007-08.

This is all conjecture of course, but it’s a great bit for Jacobs to pick up on this and the opening certainly makes sense. The timing is also ideal. Beyond the impressive sleuth work, this feels like a very plausible option for the Chiefs. It will be interesting to see if things work out here or what other names are floated as well.