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Steve Spagnuolo

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Steve Spagnuolo
refer to caption
Spagnuolo with the New York Giants in 2017
Kansas City Chiefs
Position:Defensive coordinator
Personal information
Born: (1959-12-21) December 21, 1959 (age 64)
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, U.S.
Career information
High school:Grafton (MA)
College:Springfield (1978–1980)
Career history
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Head coaching record
Regular season:11–41 (.212)
Record at Pro Football Reference

Stephen Christopher Spagnuolo (/spæɡˈnoʊloʊ/; born December 21, 1959) is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He rejoined Andy Reid in 2019 after being a defensive assistant with him from 1999 to 2006 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has coached four top-ten defenses as a defensive coordinator in terms of yardage. He has won four Super Bowls as defensive coordinator, one with the New York Giants and three with the Kansas City Chiefs, making him the only coordinator (offense or defense) in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different franchises.[1] Some historic defenses that Spagnuolo has coached throughout his career include the 2007 New York Giants defense and the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs defense.

Following two seasons in New York, he became the head coach of the St. Louis Rams for three seasons, was an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens, had a one-season stint with the New Orleans Saints, and then returned to the Giants as defensive coordinator in 2015. He was named interim head coach after the firing of former head coach Ben McAdoo on December 4, 2017.

Spagnuolo has also worked as a college football assistant coach for the University of Connecticut, the University of Maine, Lafayette College, Rutgers University, Bowling Green University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He also spent time in the original World League of American Football and its successor, NFL Europe.

Early years

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Born in the Whitinsville section of Northbridge, Massachusetts, Spagnuolo moved to Grafton as a youth. After graduating from Grafton (MA) High School, Spagnuolo played wide receiver at Springfield College. He assisted the University of Massachusetts football team while pursuing his graduate degree.[2]

Coaching career

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Philadelphia Eagles

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Spagnuolo began his NFL coaching career in the Philadelphia Eagles organization in 1999, serving as linebackers and defensive backs coach.[3] He remained there for eight years.[4]

New York Giants

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In January 2007, he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Tom Coughlin.[5]

He spent two years in New York, and was the architect of the aggressive defensive strategy against the New England Patriots (the highest scoring offensive team in NFL history at the time) in Super Bowl XLII, which was instrumental in the close victory by the Giants.[6] Following the Super Bowl win and a great deal of praise, Spagnuolo's name was widely circulated for open head coach positions around the NFL.

On February 7, 2008, he took his name out of consideration for the head coaching position of the Washington Redskins. The same day, the Giants made Spagnuolo one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the NFL with a new three-year contract, worth roughly $2 million a year.[7]

St. Louis Rams

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Spagnuolo in 2011

Following another successful season in 2008 in which the Giants finished the season 12–4, but lost in the Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs, Spagnuolo's name came up as a replacement for numerous head-coaching vacancies.[8] These vacancies included the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions,[citation needed], but Spagnuolo decided to join the St. Louis Rams, taking over their head-coaching vacancy with a 4-year, $11.5 million contract.[9][10] Spagnuolo hired Pat Shurmur and Ken Flajole to be the Rams' offensive and defensive coordinators respectively. Spagnuolo then hired Josh McDaniels to be the team's offensive coordinator to replace Shurmur, who left for the Browns' head-coaching job.[11]

Spagnuolo's first season saw the Rams go 1–15, the worst record in the league and the worst season in franchise history.[12][13] After rebounding to 7–9 in 2010, they regressed to 2–14 in 2011, tied with the Indianapolis Colts with the worst record in the league.[14][15][16] Spagnuolo was fired on January 2, 2012, after compiling a 10–38 overall record in his three seasons in St. Louis, the second-lowest winning percentage for a non-interim coach in franchise history.[17]

New Orleans Saints

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On January 19, 2012, Spagnuolo agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints to become the new defensive coordinator under head coach Sean Payton, choosing this position rather than an offer from the Philadelphia Eagles.[18] However, Payton was subsequently suspended for the season for his alleged role in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, leaving Spagnuolo to coach the defense without Payton's input.[19][20] In 2012, the Saints allowed the most yards for a season of any defense in NFL history en route to finishing 7–9 and missing the playoffs for the first time in four years. Soon after Payton's suspension ended, Spagnuolo was fired on January 24, 2013.[21]

Baltimore Ravens

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Baltimore hired Spagnuolo as a senior defensive assistant before the 2013 season, then promoted him to assistant head coach/secondary coach in 2014.[22][23]

Return to Giants

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On January 15, 2015, Spagnuolo rejoined the New York Giants as defensive coordinator, serving under head coach Tom Coughlin in 2015 and then under head coach Ben McAdoo in 2016.[24] The Giants finished 32nd in the NFL in yards allowed his first year back. They also allowed the most passing yards in NFL history (4,783) and the 3rd most points in the NFL that season (442).[25] But, the defense rebounded to have the league's 10th best defense in 2016, which fueled the team to an 11–5 record.[26] Spagnuolo became interim head coach of the Giants after a house cleaning by the organization after the firings of McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese on December 4, 2017.[27] He led them to a last-game win against the Washington Redskins, but finished 1–3 as interim head coach. After the season, Spagnuolo was not retained by new head coach Pat Shurmur, as Shurmur elected to hire James Bettcher as his defensive coordinator.[28]

Kansas City Chiefs

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On January 24, 2019, Spagnuolo was named defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.[29] Spagnuolo previously coached defensive backs and linebackers under Chiefs coach Andy Reid in Philadelphia from 1999 to 2006. In the 2019 season, Spagnuolo appeared in his third Super Bowl, and won his second title as the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers 31–20 in Super Bowl LIV.[30][31] In the 2022 season, he appeared in his fifth Super Bowl and won his third title as the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35.[32] The following year, he won his fourth Super Bowl when the Chiefs beat the 49ers 25–22.[33]

Coaching philosophy

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Spagnuolo is credited for developing multiple All-Pro defensive players throughout his career as a defensive coordinator, including New York Giants pass rusher Justin Tuck and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Spagnuolo learned under Philadelphia defensive coach Jim Johnson, and shares the same aggressive, blitz-heavy approach as his mentor.[34] (He did not incorporate this philosophy during his time in New Orleans however.) Spagnuolo uses a 4–3 base defense with a heavy emphasis on multiple blitz packages, including corner and safety blitzes.[35][36] While defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, he often used a smaller defensive line, with three or even four defensive ends to further pressure the quarterback.

This philosophy proved successful, with the Giants leading the NFL in sacks in 2007.[37] In Super Bowl XLII, Spagnuolo's defense sacked Tom Brady five times, which was the most he had been sacked in any game that season.[38][39]

Head coaching record

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
STL 2009 1 15 0 .063 4th in NFC West — — — —
STL 2010 7 9 0 .438 2nd in NFC West — — — —
STL 2011 2 14 0 .125 4th in NFC West — — — —
STL total 10 38 0 .208 — — — —
NYG 2017* 1 3 0 .250 4th in NFC East — — — —
Total[40] 11 41 0 .212 — — — —

*Interim head coach

Personal life

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Spagnuolo is a Catholic.[41] He is married to Maria Spagnuolo.[42]

References

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  1. ^ Schwartz, Paul (January 31, 2021). "Steve Spagnuolo has chance to be historic Tom Brady killer". New York Post. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  2. ^ Powers, John (February 3, 2008). "Assist goes to Spagnuolo". Boston Globe.
  3. ^ Sapp, Jared (February 8, 2023). "During Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo's career, defending quarterbacks has changed a lot". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  4. ^ Sapp, Jared (February 8, 2023). "During Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo's career, defending quarterbacks has changed a lot". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  5. ^ Salter, Jim (January 17, 2019). "Spagnuolo hired to right sinking ship in St. Louis". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  6. ^ Battista, Judy (February 4, 2008). "Giants Stun Patriots in Super Bowl XLII". The New York Times. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Branch, John (February 8, 2008). "Spagnuolo's Decision to Stay With Giants Is Rewarded". New York Times.
  8. ^ "2008 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  9. ^ "Rams go with Spagnuolo". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 17, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  10. ^ Thomas, Jim (January 2, 2012). "Rams fire Spagnuolo, Devaney". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  11. ^ Thomas, Jim (January 19, 2011). "Rams hire McDaniels to direct offense". STLtoday.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  12. ^ "Los Angeles Rams Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  13. ^ ODonnell, Wes (January 2, 2012). "Steve Spagnuolo and St. Louis Rams Part Ways After Failed Season". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  14. ^ "2010 St. Louis Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  15. ^ "2011 St. Louis Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  16. ^ "2011 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  17. ^ "Rams, Bucs ax coaches; Colts ax VP, GM". Fox Sports. January 3, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  18. ^ "New Orleans Saints reportedly will hire Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator". NOLA.com. January 20, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  19. ^ Peter King, "Spotlight", Sports Illustrated, September 3, 2012.
  20. ^ Yasinskas, Pat (January 19, 2012). "Sources: Steve Spagnuolo to join Saints". ESPN. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  21. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (January 24, 2013). "Steve Spagnuolo fired by New Orleans Saints". National Football League. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  22. ^ "Ravens hire Spagnuolo as defensive assistant". AP News. May 3, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  23. ^ Raanan, Jordan Raanan (January 16, 2015). "Steve Spagnuolo: 5 things to know about the Giants' new/old defensive coordinator". NJ.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  24. ^ "Giants hire Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator". NBC Sports. January 15, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  25. ^ Pflum, Chris (January 4, 2016). "2015 New York Giants: Record-setting season, in good ways and bad". Big Blue View. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  26. ^ "Steve Spagnuolo Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  27. ^ "Giants fire coach Ben McAdoo, GM Jerry Reese in midst of lost season". ESPN. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  28. ^ Benton, Dan (January 22, 2018). "Report: Steve Spagnuolo will not return to Giants". Giants Wire. USA Today. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  29. ^ Middlehurst-Schwartz, Michael (January 24, 2019). "Chiefs hire Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator". USA TODAY. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  30. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (January 24, 2019). "Chiefs hire Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator". National Football League. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  31. ^ "Super Bowl LIV – San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 2nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  32. ^ "Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  33. ^ Maaddi, Rob (February 12, 2024). "Patrick Mahomes rallies the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25–22 over 49ers in overtime". AP News. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  34. ^ Garafolo, Mike (January 11, 2009). "New York Giants' Steve Spagnuolo was pupil of Philadelphia Eagles' Jim Johnson". NJ.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  35. ^ Stout, Craig (January 24, 2019). "The 4-3 Under: How the Chiefs' current personnel fits". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  36. ^ Lane, Matt (May 31, 2019). "Summer of Spags: the front seven in Steve Spagnuolo's 4-3 scheme". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  37. ^ "2007 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  38. ^ "Spagnuolo left Brady with a bad memory". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Associated Press. February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  39. ^ "Tom Brady 2007 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  40. ^ "Steve Spagnuolo". Pro Football Reference.com. 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  41. ^ Ackerman, Jon (February 10, 2023). "Chiefs D-coordinator Steve Spagnuolo grateful to 'always have Jesus to fall back on'". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  42. ^ "Steve Spagnuolo". Retrieved February 13, 2023.
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