Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator history
Steve Spagnuolo
Spagnuolo is the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs since the 2019 season, a total of six years. Spagnuolo's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 76-21-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history. The team made it to the playoffs five times (2019-2023) and had a 14-2 record under Coach Spagnuolo in playoff games. In 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV and the Chiefs, under the direction of head coach Andy Reid, won 31-20. In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV and the Chiefs, under the direction of head coach Andy Reid, lost 9-31. In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII and the Chiefs, under the direction of head coach Andy Reid, won 38-35. In 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII and the Chiefs, under the direction of head coach Andy Reid, won 25-22.
Bob Sutton
Sutton was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2013-2018 seasons, a total of six years. Sutton's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 65-31-0, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history. The team made it to the playoffs five times (2013, 2015-2018) and had a 2-5 record under Coach Sutton in playoff games.
Romeo Crennel
Crennel was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2010-2012 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2010) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Crennel in playoff games.
Clancy Pendergast
Pendergast was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 season. Pendergast's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 4-12-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history.
Gunther Cunningham
Cunningham was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1995-1998, 2004-2008 seasons, a total of nine years. The team made it to the playoffs three times (1995, 1997, 2006) and had a 0-3 record under Coach Cunningham in playoff games.
Greg Robinson
Robinson was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2001-2003 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2003) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Robinson in playoff games.
Kurt Schottenheimer
Schottenheimer was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1999-2000 seasons, a total of two years.
Dave Adolph
Adolph was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1992-1994 seasons, a total of three years. Adolph's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 30-18-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (1992-1994) and had a 2-3 record under Coach Adolph in playoff games.
Bill Cowher
Cowher was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1989-1991 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1990-1991) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Cowher in playoff games.
Rod Rust
Rust was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1978-1982, 1988 seasons, a total of six years.
John-Paul Young
Young was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1987 season. Young's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 4-11-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history.
Walt Corey
Corey was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1986 season. Corey's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 10-6-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1986) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Corey in playoff games.
Dan Daniel
Daniel was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1984-1985 seasons, a total of two years.
Bud Carson
Carson was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1983 season.
Tom Bettis
Bettis was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1977 season. Bettis' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 2-12-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in Kansas City Chiefs history.
Vince Costello
Costello was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1975-1976 seasons, a total of two years.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Spagnuolo | 2019-2024 | 76-21-0 | 78.4% | 14-2 |
| Bob Sutton | 2013-2018 | 65-31-0 | 67.7% | 2-5 |
| Romeo Crennel | 2010-2012 | 18-22-0 | 45.0% | 0-1 |
| Clancy Pendergast | 2009 | 4-12-0 | 25.0% | 0-0 |
| Gunther Cunningham | 1995-1998, 2004-2008 | 74-70-0 | 51.4% | 0-3 |
| Greg Robinson | 2001-2003 | 27-21-0 | 56.3% | 0-1 |
| Kurt Schottenheimer | 1999-2000 | 16-16-0 | 50.0% | 0-0 |
| Dave Adolph | 1992-1994 | 30-18-0 | 62.5% | 2-3 |
| Bill Cowher | 1989-1991 | 29-18-1 | 61.5% | 1-2 |
| Rod Rust | 1978-1982, 1988 | 35-53-1 | 39.9% | 0-0 |
| John-Paul Young | 1987 | 4-11-0 | 26.7% | 0-0 |
| Walt Corey | 1986 | 10-6-0 | 62.5% | 0-1 |
| Dan Daniel | 1984-1985 | 14-18-0 | 43.8% | 0-0 |
| Bud Carson | 1983 | 6-10-0 | 37.5% | 0-0 |
| Tom Bettis | 1977 | 2-12-0 | 14.3% | 0-0 |
| Vince Costello | 1975-1976 | 10-18-0 | 35.7% | 0-0 |
Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator facts
- Vince Costello was the first defensive coordinator in Chiefs history in 1975.
- Gunther Cunningham coached the most seasons as the Chiefs's defensive coordinator at nine seasons.
- Steve Spagnuolo is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2019 season.