Former Chiefs defensive superstar credits Steve Spagnuolo for being able to develop young guys to play crucial roles
One of the best qualities that Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has is his ability to develop players. He is able to get his guys to buy in and play hard. The following players have three or less years of experience and have played significant roles for Spagnuolo's defense this season: DE George […]
One of the best qualities that Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has is his ability to develop players.
He is able to get his guys to buy in and play hard. The following players have three or less years of experience and have played significant roles for Spagnuolo's defense this season:
- DE George Karlaftis
- LB Nick Bolton
- LB Leo Chenal
- CB Trent McDuffie
- CB Jaylen Watson
- CB Nazeeh Johnson
- CB/S Chamarri Conner
- S Bryan Cook
- S Jaden Hicks
For a coach to get the type of production that Spagnuolo has gotten out of those young guys is basically unheard of. Spagnuolo likely learned from some big time veterans that he coached during his early years with the Chiefs, such as DE Frank Clark, CB Bashaud Breeland, and S Tyrann Mathieu.
With Super Bowl LIX being played in New Orleans, Mathieu – who now plays for the Saints – dropped by his home stadium and made some media rounds on Tuesday. While speaking to our friend Todd Leabo of 810 Sports, Mathieu gave Spagnuolo a lot of credit for being able to develop so many good, young players.
"He can continue to develop his own guys," Mathieu said about Spagnuolo sticking around in K.C. "I think that's what it's all about. I think outside of me coming in as a free agent, and obviously guys like Bashaud Breeland. But, it's a blessing to be able to raise your own kids. And to have kids that can step into those critical roles, those key roles. I think he's doing a great job. I think coach (Andy Reid) is doing a great job."
Mathieu did a tremendous job of helping to change the culture of the Chiefs' defense while he was in K.C. from 2019-2021. He was a leader on and off the field, and was highly productive – recording 213 total tackles, 13 interceptions, 27 passes defensed, three sacks, and two defensive touchdowns during those three seasons.
Spagnuolo has always credited Mathieu for everything he's done for him. The Chiefs had to make a tough financial decision to part ways with Mathieu, but his influence is still felt today. Spagnuolo has done a great job with developing secondary players specifically, and perhaps Bryan Cook or Jaden Hicks are set to be the next Mathieu.
