Despite signing an extension with the team ahead of the 2024 NFL campaign, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will interview for vacant head coaching positions.

Albert Breer of the MMQB reported that the veteran defensive coach will interview for openings with both the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.

The Chiefs finished the 2024 season with a 15-2 record and the AFC’s top seed, meaning they won’t start their playoff campaign until Jan. 18 at the earliest. Spagnuolo would conduct any interviews via Zoom.

It’s not uncommon for coordinators to take interviews with their teams in the postseason – most of the best coordinators in the NFL unsurprisingly work for playoff teams.

Steve Spagnuolo

Despite featuring future Pro Football Hall of Famers Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the 2024 Chiefs offense ranked just 16th in yards per game. They’ve managed to scrape a 15-2 record because Spagnuolo’s defense has allowed the ninth fewest yards per contest.

Spagnuolo rose to prominence when his New York Giants limited the loaded and undefeated New England Patriots 2007 offense to just 14 points in Super Bowl XLII.

He was named head coach of the then-St. Louis Rams in 2009 but failed to earn a winning record in three seasons. He’s served as the Chiefs defensive coordinator since 2019, earning three more Super Bowl rings in that span.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo of the New York Giants

Steve Spagnuolo with the New York Giants during Super Bowl XLII ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

New York Jets

The Jets have already completed three interviews for their vacant head coaching position: Ron Rivera, Mike Vrabel, and Rex Ryan.

New York’s defense badly regressed after they fired Robert Saleh in October. Through their first five games, the Jets ranked second in the NFL in opponents yards/game and fifth in points/game. Once he was replaced by interim head coach (and defensive coordinator) Jeff Ulbrich, those figures sunk to 15th and 28th.

New York also features a few more All-Pro caliber defenders than the Raiders, namely Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, Sauce Gardner, and Will McDonald IV.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday, opening the door for minority owner Tom Brady to reunite with his longtime boss Bill Belichick.

The team is expected to interview a full plate of coaching candidates for new general manager Tom Telesco. Las Vegas could look to draft a quarterback with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.