The Jacksonville Jaguars are casting a wide net on their search for their head-coaching opening after dismissing Doug Pederson. They originally placed six requests for interviews with potential candidates, but they've kept adding names to their wish list. Just recently, they made it clear that they want to look into the Kansas City Chiefs' winning formula with their request for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media broke the news that Jacksonville put in a request to interview the coach known as Spags. As of this writing, it's uncertain if it will be granted, but there's no reason to deny it.
The #Jaguars have requested an interview with #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo for their head coaching job.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 9, 2025
That's three for Spags, who also is set to speak with the #Jets and #Raiders.
The request to meet Spagnuolo came one day after the Jags added Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores Jr. and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady to their list of candidates. They've already been granted the chance to interview Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has also accepted but needed no permission since he's currently not employed.
Circling back to Spagnuolo, he originally got the spotlight as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants in the mid-2000s. His unit and his fire zone blitzes played a massive role in Big Blue's upset of the nearly undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl 42. His impressive work with the Giants helped him get a head coaching job with the Los Angeles (then St. Louis) Rams in 2009.
Unfortunately, Spagnuolo didn't win enough games with the Rams and was given the boot in 2011. He then spent time with the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants before landing with the Chiefs in 2019. Since then, Kansas City has won three Super Bowls and its defense has played a massive role.
The Chiefs have managed to field a stout defense despite the fact that they've lost players such as pass rusher Frank Clark, and cornerbacks L'Jarious Sneed and Charvarious Ward. Similarly, Spagnuolo has overseen the development of defensive end George Karlaftis and cornerback Trent McDuffie. That most definitely has earned him consideration for a second chance.
Steve Spagnuolo is a legitimate candidate for the Jaguars job
Steve Spagnuolo isn't as young as other candidates for the Jacksonville Jaguars job. That said, his resume isn't second to none. In fact, it's a bit surprising that he hadn't gotten another chance to be a head coach. Sure, he flamed out with the St. Louis Rams, but he was dealt a horrible time. At the time, the Rams had a terrible roster, so you cannot solely pin their failure on Spags. The Jags know it, that's why they want to meet with him.
While it's true that the Jaguars need to find a coach who will get the most out of Trevor Lawrence, they could also use someone with a defensive mindset. After all, they need as much help as they can on that side of the ball.
Even though Jacksonville had ample defensive talent to compete with, albeit with a few holes, the group routinely lacked discipline, and that falls on Ryan Nielsen. If Spagnuolo gets the job, he could definitely steer the ship in the right direction.
Although it's a bit surprising to see the Jaguars put in a request for Steve Spagnulo, it makes sense in light of the success he's had with the Chiefs, so trying to steal some of their championship magic is certainly worth it.