History of Steve Spagnuolo in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

Steve Spagnuolo, nicknamed "Spags", is an American football coach and the current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. He began his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. As a defensive coordinator, he has coached four top-10 defenses in terms of yardage. Spagnuolo has participated in seven Super Bowls, winning one with the New York Giants and three with the Kansas City Chiefs. Notably, he is the only coordinator in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different franchises and the only one to win four Super Bowls in that role. He's known for coaching historic defenses, including the 2007 Giants and the current Chiefs defense.

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Full Timeline

December 21, 1959: Stephen Christopher Spagnuolo Born

On December 21, 1959, Stephen Christopher Spagnuolo, later nicknamed "Spags," was born. He is an American football coach.

1999: Began NFL Coaching Career with Philadelphia Eagles

In 1999, Spagnuolo began his NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as linebackers and defensive backs coach under head coach Andy Reid.

2005: Married to Maria

In 2005, Spagnuolo married his wife Maria.

January 2007: Hired as Defensive Coordinator for New York Giants

In January 2007, Spagnuolo was hired as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Tom Coughlin.

February 7, 2008: Turned Down Redskins Head Coaching Position, Became One of Highest-Paid Defensive Coordinators

On February 7, 2008, Spagnuolo withdrew his name from consideration for the head coaching position of the Washington Redskins. On the same day, the Giants signed Spagnuolo to a new three-year contract, making him one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the NFL, earning roughly $2 million a year.

January 2, 2012: Fired by St. Louis Rams

On January 2, 2012, Spagnuolo was fired after compiling a 10–38 overall record in three seasons in St. Louis, the second-lowest winning percentage for a non-interim coach in franchise history.

January 19, 2012: Agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints

On January 19, 2012, Spagnuolo agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints to become the new defensive coordinator under head coach Sean Payton.

January 24, 2013: Fired by New Orleans Saints

Soon after Payton's suspension ended, Spagnuolo was fired on January 24, 2013.

January 15, 2015: Rejoined New York Giants as Defensive Coordinator

On January 15, 2015, Spagnuolo rejoined the New York Giants as defensive coordinator.

January 24, 2019: Named Defensive Coordinator for Kansas City Chiefs

On January 24, 2019, Spagnuolo was named defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2024: "In Spags We Trust" Expression Popularized

Beginning with the 2024 season, Chiefs defensive players popularized the expression "In Spags We Trust" to express their confidence in Spagnuolo's decision-making and leadership.