The Jacksonville Jaguars are casting a wide net in their search for a head coach after dismissing Doug Pederson. Some of the candidates for the job lack experience at the position while others have no shortage of it. One of them, Steve Spagnuolo, is looking for another chance after flaming out with the Los Angeles (then St. Louis) Rams in the early 2010s.
Spagnuolo originally turned heads for his work with the New York Giants. With him leading the defense, they managed to upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 42. He would go on to become the head coach of the Rams in 2009. Unfortunately, he didn't win much during his stint in St. Louis and was given the boot following the 2011 season.
After time with the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles, Spagnuolo landed with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he's routinely fielded some of the best defenses in the NFL and played a massive role in helping them win three Super Bowls the last five years. The Jaguars took notice of his work and requested an interview with him.
We have requested an interview with Steve Spagnuolo for our Head Coach vacancy. https://t.co/HZmSzAYgxL
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 9, 2025
The day came, and the Jags announced that they completed the meeting with Spags. It's uncertain how well he did. Moreover, he isn't one of the top candidates for the job. Nevertheless, he's rebuilt his stock and done enough to earn a second chance. If Jacksonville grants it to him, he could bring these four Chiefs free agents with him.
We have completed an interview with Steve Spagnuolo for our Head Coach vacancy. pic.twitter.com/Z4tjsvFMbU
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 11, 2025
Justin Reid, safety
Safety Justin Reid has been pivotal to the Chiefs' recent success on and off the field since he signed with them in 2022. He's never earned a Pro Bowl nod or an All-Pro designation but he routinely plays at a high level. In 2024, the former Stanford Cardinal registered 87 total tackles, nine passes defensed, and two interceptions.
Reid is Spagnuolo's eyes on the field and one of the Chiefs' highest-paid players. He's slated to become a free agent and would surely love to return to Kansas City, but the prospect of following Spagnuolo may be too good to pass up.
Josh Uche, pass rusher
Josh Uche broke out with the New England Patriots in 2022, registering 11.5 sacks. However, his production suffered a dip the following two years. Then, his contract status became an issue, and he was eventually traded to the Chiefs last year.
Uche ended up appearing in six regular season games for Kansas City and didn't seem to hit his stride. Nevertheless, he's 28 and may benefit from a true fresh start and the chance to spend a full offseason with whatever team he signs in free agency. The Jags could most definitely use him.
In Jacksonville, Uche wouldn't need to be a featured pass rusher and would instead be part of a rotation behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins doesn't play for Spagnuolo, but they have to go against each other in practice. But even if you leave aside the All-Pro's brief stint in Kansas City, he's got a pretty stacked resume.
Hopkins originally started his career with the Houston Texans but was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. He then spent time with the Titans before landing with the Chiefs via trade last year. The former Clemson Tiger finished the season with 56 catches for 610 yards with five touchdowns. Those aren't bad numbers.
While Hopkins may no longer be a true No. 1, he would give Trevor Lawrence another reliable weapon opposite star wideout Brian Thomas Jr. Moreover, he would offer insurance in case Gabe Davis isn't able to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season.
Trey Smith, right guard
Right guard Trey Smith slid to the sixth round of the 2021 draft because of a pulmonary condition. The Kansas City Chiefs took a chance on him and he went on to become one of the best interior linemen in the league.
Smith is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, and he'll most likely bet the most coveted offensive guard in free agency. Given that he plays on the right side of the line of scrimmage, he would be an ideal replacement for veteran Brandon Scherff.
The former Tennessee Vol probably won't come cheap but it would be worth it when you take into account that he's an excellent run blocker, an area where the Jags could use plenty of help.