Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo is being linked to an opportunity that he may have a tough time passing on

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nick Roesch | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 10:56 AM ET

Defense has been a huge part of the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty run.

In the early days, it was the offense that carried the team. However, over the last couple of years it has been the defense that has been the backbone of franchise. A large portion of that can be attributed to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Spagnuolo is widely regarded as one of the best assistant coaches of all-time, not only because of his success, but his creative and aggressive nature for blitzing the quarterback. While the bulk of his success has come in Kansas City, he made a name for himself as the New York Giants' DC back in 2007.

Steve Spagnuolo is being connected to the Giants' head coaching vacancy

The Giants fired coach Brian Daboll on Monday after getting off to 2-8 start. Former Chiefs assistant coach Mike Kafka will finish the season as the interim head coach . While Kafka will try to make a case to keep the job permanently, NFL insider Peter Schrager reported that Spagnuolo could also be in the mix.

Two names with strong NJ or Giants "connections"' I'd start keeping an eye on as NYG starts this thorough HC search:

1. Jeff Hafley, Packers DC, Montvale, NJ native; HC at Boston College 2020-2023

2. Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs DC, Giants Super Bowl winning DC + onetime interim HC
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) November 10, 2025

Spagnuolo's defense held the legendary New England Patriots' offense to just 14 points in Super Bowl XLII, as the Giants defeated them and ended their bid for a perfect 19-0 season. That led to him becoming the head coach of the St. Louis Rams in 2009, but he was let go in 2011 after compiling a 10-38 overall record.

After a couple of stints elsewhere, Spagnuolo returned to New York as its defensive coordinator in 2015. He was named interim head coach for the final four games of the 2017 season following the firing of Ben McAdoo, going 1-3 during that span.

Spagnuolo has expressed interest in being a head coach again, and has taken multiple interviews over the past couple of years. If he truly is a candidate for the Giants, his history with the organization could give him an in on the job.

Combine that with Spagnuolo's East Coast roots, it's safe to say the interest on his part would be mutual. There are plenty of things to like about the Giants' organization, including the plethora of talent along their defensive line, and potentially having their franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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