Titans Target Chiefs’ Championship Pedigree: Steve Spagnuolo Requested for Head Coaching Interview
The Tennessee Titans are moving aggressively to reshape their future. Following the dismissal of head coach Brian Callahan, the organization has turned its gaze toward the reigning dynasty of the NFL. According to reports from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Titans have officially requested to interview Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for their head coaching vacancy.
This development signals a clear intent from Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi. He is looking to inject championship DNA into a franchise that has struggled to find its footing recently. The request for Spagnuolo comes shortly after the team also submitted a request to interview Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. Tennessee is thoroughly vetting the top lieutenants of Andy Reid to potentially lead their locker room.
A Shift toward Defensive Dominance
The interest in Spagnuolo represents a potential philosophical pivot for the Titans. The franchise recently moved on from Callahan, an offensive-minded coach, after a tenure that did not yield the desired results. In contrast, Spagnuolo brings a reputation built on grit, discipline, and high-pressure schemes.
Spagnuolo is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive minds in the history of the league. He stands alone as the only coordinator to win four Super Bowl titles. His defenses are known for their complexity and aggressive blitz packages that often confuse even the most elite quarterbacks. For a Titans team sitting at a disappointing record and looking for an identity, Spagnuolo offers immediate credibility. He commands respect the moment he walks into a room.
There is a human element to this potential hiring as well. Spagnuolo has previous head coaching experience with the St. Louis Rams from 2009 to 2011. While that stint did not end with a winning record, Spagnuolo has spent the last decade rebuilding his stock and proving he is an integral part of a championship formula. At this stage in his career, this opportunity with Tennessee could represent his final and best chance to lead a team again. It is a chance to prove that the lessons learned in St. Louis have prepared him for a second act.
The Mike Borgonzi Connection
The pursuit of Kansas City’s staff is not a coincidence. It is driven by deep-rooted connections. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi spent 16 years with the Chiefs before moving to Tennessee in the 2025 offseason. During his time in Kansas City, Borgonzi worked alongside Spagnuolo for six seasons. He saw firsthand how the defensive coordinator managed players, game-planned for opponents, and handled adversity.
This familiarity provides a layer of comfort for the Titans front office. Hiring a head coach is often a leap of faith, but Borgonzi knows exactly what he would be getting with Spagnuolo. The two franchises have already shown a willingness to do business together. The Chiefs traded cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee in the 2024 offseason and later acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Titans. These transactions suggest an open line of communication and mutual respect between the front offices.
Casting a Wide Net
While Spagnuolo is the headline name right now, he is not the only candidate on the radar. The request to interview Matt Nagy shows that Borgonzi is considering all options from his former employer. Nagy has his own accolades, including being named AP Coach of the Year in 2018 with the Chicago Bears. His familiarity with the Andy Reid system makes him a logical candidate for any team looking to spark its offense.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Tennessee has also requested an interview with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. This suggests that while the Chiefs connection is strong, the Titans are conducting a thorough search. They are prioritizing experience and leadership traits over a specific offensive or defensive background.
What This Means for Both Franchises
For the Kansas City Chiefs, these interview requests are a double-edged sword. It is the price of success. When you win consistently, other teams will inevitably come for your coaching staff. losing either Spagnuolo or Nagy would force Andy Reid to retool his staff once again. However, for Spagnuolo specifically, a departure would leave a massive void on the defensive side of the ball.
For the Titans, landing a coach of Spagnuolo’s caliber would be a statement. It would tell the fanbase that the organization is serious about winning now. The Titans fanbase is hungry for a winner after watching their team struggle. Bringing in a four-time Super Bowl champion could be the spark needed to ignite a turnaround in Nashville. The coming weeks will reveal if the Titans can successfully lure the architect of the Chiefs’ defense to Tennessee, but one thing is certain. Mike Borgonzi is betting on the people he knows best to fix his team.
