KC Chiefs linebackers could help Brendan Daly make the leap

If Kansas City Chiefs defensive assistant Brendan Daly is like most other coaches, he’s trying to eventually figure out how to climb to the next rung individually while simultaneously trying to help his team win. It’s the tension felt by so many within the coaching ranks, and Daly is hoping a slight internal coaching shift this offseason is going to help him with his personal goal.

There are some examples in the coaching ranks of those who aren’t interested in climbing to the very top. Some coaches are likely just fine serving as support staff underneath those who ultimately call the shots, but there’s a reason why fans see so much turnover each offseason as coaches jostle to find the best place for personal connections and resume building.

Since 2006, Daly has been challenging young men to become their best in the trenches in various places around the league. Before coming to learn from Andy Reid’s staff and returning to working with Steve Spagnuolo, Daly spent five years alongside Bill Belichick in New England with the Patriots. In total, he’s also been a part of four Super Bowl-winning teams.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ talented young core at linebacker might help Brendan Daly build an impressive enough resume to make the coordinator leap.

In order to take the next step, Daly was willing to shift positions this offseason for the first time since joining the league as an assistant d-line coach with the Minnesota Vikings. Earlier this spring, the Chiefs lost linebackers coach Matt House to Brian Kelly’s new staff at LSU. Instead of importing someone new, Daly made the positional switch and the team hired former Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen to coach the line.

Daly recently spoke to Chiefs reporters about the offseason changes and the reasoning behind his own move. He mentioned the continuity of keeping a familiar face with a young linebacking unit, but he also appreciated the personal challenge to grow.

“Y’know, there was a number of things. We lost a really good coach in Matt House. I was kind of interested in evolving a little bit and challenging myself and doing something that was a little out of my comfort zone. I think that’s how you grow and improve.”

It will be interesting to see how the position might help Daly move forward for more consideration as a future defensive coordinator. His resume is already impressive enough to warrant looks from someone with so much experience in winning environments. If some felt he was limited, working with another positional group might be just what the doctor ordered.

Remember that the Chiefs linebackers are as loaded as they’ve been in years. Willie Gay Jr. should be a true breakout star as the Chiefs look for someone to replace the leadership of Anthony Hitchens and become the star in the heart of the defense. Nick Bolton already looked like a beast tackling at the pro level in his rookie season, and now the Chiefs have added an exciting athletic specimen and situational pass rusher to the mix in Leo Chenal with their third-round selection.

Given the mix of talents here as well as the amount of exciting young depth, the Chiefs are going to be able to do a lot of things with the second level of their defense that they haven’t been able to do in quite some time. Daly will get a real chance to shape these ascending young players at the right time for a team that will consistently be in the spotlight.

Maybe Daly has no desire to make that jump to the coordinator level, but he sounds like a man who wants to continually learn and grow. Whether it leads to a new career opportunity or not, working with a positional group this loaded can only lead to good things for Daly in the end.