Just like that, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ 2025-26 season is in the books. Considering how poorly things went, that might be the best thing for everyone involved.
Last year’s AFC champions will experience plenty of change over the next few months. It’s virtually impossible to sustain a dynasty forever, as general manager Brett Veach and company learned this year. Could head coach Andy Reid’s coaching staff witness a shakeup that adds even more fuel to that fire?
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy’s name has generated buzz for weeks. A new candidate, however, is emerging as the annual NFL coaching carousel starts to spin.
Titans Request to Interview Steve Spagnuolo for Head Coaching Vacancy
Per a January 5 report from league insider Jordan Schultz, the Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The inquiry is for their head coaching vacancy. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirmed the news, adding that Spagnuolo should also get a request from the New York Giants.
This may come off as a surprise to many. Spagnuolo, now 66 years old, has had a bit of hype surrounding him for head coaching jobs in recent years. It’s been abundantly clear, however, that he was never a final candidate for a leading job. The legendary coordinator is now nearly a decade removed from his last opportunity in that role, but he seemingly hasn’t lost hope.
Last January, prior to the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl, Spagnuolo acknowledged that he still had a desire to be a head coach.
“I mean, I’ll deal with that later,” Spagnuolo said. “Listen, yeah, the answer is yes but right now, it’s all about Denver. I hadn’t even thought about that road until you just mentioned it. I’ll let all of that take care of itself.”
Prior to joining Reid in Kansas City, Spagnuolo had two separate head coaching stints. From 2009-2011 with the Los Angeles Rams (then the St. Louis Rams), he went 10-38 with no playoff appearances. In 2017, he had a four-game cameo with the Giants when then-head coach Ben McAdoo was fired during the season.
It remains to be seen how far Spagnuolo will advance in the Titans’ process. With former Chiefs front office ace Mike Borgonzi serving as their general manager, there’s certainly a logical tie. If the veteran play-caller is still interested, perhaps this is a key to a new door opening this offseason.
Tennessee Also Asks to Speak With Chiefs OC Matt Nagy
In infinitely less shocking news, Tennessee also asked to speak with Nagy. This was on just about everyone’s proverbial bingo card. Over the weekend, it was reported that 47-year-old coordinator was “expected” to be a top target for the Titans’ job. As it turns out, he was the first person they requested an interview with on Monday.
Speaking to the media in an availability session late this season, Reid praised the job Nagy has done as his offensive coordinator.
“Phenomenal,” Reid said. “We were on a record pace there for a bit, as far as statistically. He does a nice job there.”
He also emphasized that he believes Nagy is worthy of a second chance at head coaching.
“I think he deserves to be a head football coach in this league,” Reid said. “That’s exciting for him.”
Years ago, Nagy’s first stint as head coach was with the Chicago Bears. From 2018-2021, he led them to a winning 34-31 record and a pair of playoff appearances. He also won AP Coach of the Year in his debut campaign. Unable to replicate his 12-4 record and immense success in year one on the job, however, he was eventually let go. Nagy’s Bears went 8-8 in 2019 and 2020 before ending his tenure on a sour note with a 6-11 2021 campaign.
That led to Nagy returning to Reid’s staff, and the rest is history. Two Super Bowl appearances (one win) and a dismal season later, where does his stock stand? That’s up for the Titans to decide — and apparently regarding Spagnuolo, too.
Chiefs Get Shocking Steve Spagnuolo News to Begin Offseason