Any conversations around potential coaching losses for the Kansas City Chiefs following the conclusion of the 2025 season have been centered on one figure: Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. That's understandable since Nagy's contract is up in K.C., but the morning after Week 18 concluded, another name has surfaced with two reported leads.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is being linked to two head coaching openings on "Black Monday". NFL reporter Ian Rapoport has word that the New York Giants are expected to reach out with interest, while the Tennessee Titans have already submitted a request to speak with Spags.
Spagnuolo has solid ties to both organizations that have shown interest so far, so the rumors make sense in terms of connecting the dots.
Spagnuolo has a deep history with the Giants franchise after having served multiple stints as a defensive coordinator, a team with which Spags earned his first championship ring. The Giants fired Brian Daboll during the season and allowed former Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka to take over as interim head coach. Now, however, a search for a new leader could bring a franchise hero back home.
As for the Titans, they're already set to interview Nagy, who has been mentioned often as a primary candidate to replace Brian Callahan as head coach in Tennessee. Former Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi is in charge of the hiring process in Nashville, so it makes sense that he would want to talk to Spagnuolo in depth about his plans with a new franchise.
Spagnuolo was previously the head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2009-11, but it was a disastrous run that resulted in 10 wins in three seasons. However, Spagnuolo inherited a talent-deficient roster, and the front office didn't do him any favors while he was there. It also didn't help that Sam Bradford was always injured.
Last week, Spagnuolo was asked about a potential interest in leading a team once again, and he deflected the question for the sake of focusing on Week 18 for the Chiefs. However, he also made it clear he was still an ambitious man.
Spagnuolo wasn't a name thrown around often before the rumor mill truly began to churn in earnest following the end of the regular season, but the coaching carousel has quickly picked him up. It's possible the Chiefs lose one or both coordinators after such an abysmal season. It will be interesting to see whether or not Spags will get his second chance to be a head coach.