Coach and Coordinator Podcast C.O.O.L. Clinic Q&A with Steve Spagnoulo, Defensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
May 1, 2025
Steve Spagnuolo, the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive coordinator and four-time Super Bowl champion, teams up with Bob Wylie, a former NFL offensive line coach. They discuss the crucial collaboration between defensive and offensive coaching strategies. Spagnuolo highlights how to evaluate offensive lines, adapt to varied protections, and focus on essential schemes over data overload. The conversation also dives into goal line defense tactics, the intricacies of run-action passes, and the psychological elements of defending against screen plays.
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Respect for O-Line Coaches
- Steve Spagnuolo regularly consults offensive line coaches to better understand defensive strategies.
- He values their deep knowledge and the unity within their coaching fraternity.
Target O-Line Weaknesses First
- First, identify the weakest offensive lineman and attack him with your best defensive player.
- If no weak link, focus on attacking the most common protection schemes.
Gap Schemes Challenge Defenses
- Gap run schemes are more challenging for defenses due to their varied pulling techniques.
- Defenses usually get more reps against zone schemes, making gap schemes less familiar.