Digest

This podcast features an interview with Steve Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. Spagnuolo discusses the Chiefs' success, crediting Patrick Mahomes and the offense for their strong performance. He emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and veteran leadership in maintaining focus and avoiding complacency. Spagnuolo also explains his approach to calling blitzes, highlighting the importance of player execution and having a good feel for the game. He shares his experiences coaching in NFL Europe, noting the eagerness and dedication of the players in that league. Spagnuolo also talks about his love for hockey and how he would have loved to coach the sport. He discusses his coaching journey, sharing a story about how his friend inspired him to pursue a career in coaching. Spagnuolo also discusses his experience coaching on offense and whether he would consider becoming an offensive coordinator. He shares his thoughts on Andy Reid and the Chiefs' quarterback situation. Finally, Spagnuolo talks about Travis Kelce's confidence and ability to make big plays, highlighting his unique skillset and the trust he has earned from his teammates.

Outlines

00:00:56

The Chiefs' Success and Spagnuolo's Coaching Philosophy

Steve Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, discusses the team's success, crediting Patrick Mahomes and the offense for their strong performance. He emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and veteran leadership in maintaining focus and avoiding complacency.

00:08:31

Spagnuolo on Blitz Calls and NFL Europe

Spagnuolo explains how he decides when to call a blitz, emphasizing the importance of player execution and the need for a good feel for the game. He shares his experiences coaching in NFL Europe, highlighting the eagerness and dedication of the players in that league.

00:18:33

Spagnuolo's Coaching Journey and Love for Hockey

Spagnuolo talks about how he became a football coach, sharing a story about his friend who went to Springfield College and inspired him to pursue a career in coaching. He discusses his love for hockey and how he would have loved to coach the sport. He also shares his thoughts on the Boston Bruins and Conor McDavid.

00:24:29

Spagnuolo on Offensive Coordinating and Travis Kelce

Spagnuolo discusses his experience coaching on offense and whether he would consider becoming an offensive coordinator. He also shares his thoughts on Andy Reid and the Chiefs' quarterback situation. He talks about Travis Kelce's confidence and ability to make big plays, highlighting his unique skillset and the trust he has earned from his teammates.

Keywords

Q&A

• What makes Patrick Mahomes different from other quarterbacks you've coached?

  Spagnuolo highlights Mahomes' football intelligence, his ability to relate to every player on the team, and his focus on winning as a team.

• How do you coach against complacency when you're going for a three-peat?

  Spagnuolo emphasizes the importance of a game-to-game approach and the steady leadership of Andy Reid. He also believes that the Chiefs' veteran leadership helps to keep the team focused.

• How do you know when to call a blitz?

  Spagnuolo says that there's no perfect formula for calling a blitz, but it comes down to player execution and having a good feel for the game. He credits his players for their ability to execute his blitz calls.

• What was your experience like coaching in NFL Europe?

  Spagnuolo enjoyed coaching in NFL Europe, noting the players' eagerness and dedication. He also believes that the league helped to develop players who were cut by NFL teams.

• What would you be doing if you weren't coaching?

  Spagnuolo says he would have loved to coach hockey, as he was a big fan of the Boston Bruins growing up. He also enjoys watching baseball and the Yankees.

Show Notes