Steve Spagnuolo Responds to Giants Rumors: 'I’m Focused on Building a Championship Defense with the Chiefs'
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is making one thing crystal clear — his focus is squarely on the task at hand with the Chiefs, despite recent speculation about a possible return to the New York Giants. Spagnuolo, who has been a key figure in the Chiefs' defensive success, addressed the rumors head-on, reaffirming his commitment to the Chiefs and their pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
“I’m focused on the job at hand here with the Chiefs. We’ve got a championship defense to build, and that’s my full attention,” Spagnuolo said in a recent interview. “All the speculation doesn’t change my approach. If the Giants come calling, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Staying Focused on the Chiefs' Championship Aspirations
Spagnuolo’s statement comes amid growing chatter about potential coaching changes around the NFL, including the possibility of him returning to the Giants, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2007 to 2017, helping lead the team to two Super Bowl titles. However, Spagnuolo made it clear that, for now, his focus is solely on the Chiefs and their goal of building a championship-caliber defense.
The Chiefs' defense has seen significant improvement under Spagnuolo’s leadership, becoming one of the most formidable units in the league. With playmakers like Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and a young and talented secondary, the Chiefs are poised to compete for another Super Bowl title. Spagnuolo’s experience and ability to adapt his schemes to fit his players’ strengths have been key to the defense's success.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Spagnuolo said. “Our goal is to be the best defense in the league, and I’m focused on making that happen. There’s a lot of talent here, and I’m excited about the direction we’re heading.”
A Legacy of Success in New York
While Spagnuolo has been a vital part of the Chiefs’ coaching staff since 2019, his tenure with the Giants holds a special place in his career. During his time in New York, Spagnuolo helped shape the Giants’ defense into one of the league’s most feared units, and his success in the Big Apple is part of what fuels the ongoing speculation about his potential return.
Despite the buzz surrounding his name, Spagnuolo remains grounded and committed to his current role with the Chiefs. He understands the nature of the business and the rumors that often swirl around coaching positions. However, he is quick to remind everyone that his current focus is on the Chiefs and their defense’s development.
“Speculation is part of the job,” Spagnuolo explained. “But right now, I’m fully invested in what we’re building here in Kansas City. My responsibility is to this team, and that’s where my attention lies.”
The Chiefs’ Future Under Spagnuolo
With the Chiefs’ defense continuing to evolve and improve, Spagnuolo’s leadership will be crucial as the team heads into the second half of the season. As the Chiefs continue to vie for the top spot in the AFC, the defense will play a pivotal role in their playoff hopes. Spagnuolo’s ability to scheme against high-powered offenses and make in-game adjustments has been a key factor in the Chiefs’ success over the past few years.
As for the rumors surrounding his future, Spagnuolo’s message is clear: the only thing that matters right now is the Chiefs' pursuit of a championship. For Spagnuolo, it’s not about looking ahead to potential coaching changes or speculation — it’s about preparing his defense to be as dominant as possible and helping the Chiefs win another Super Bowl.
“We’ve got a great team here,” Spagnuolo said. “My focus is on making sure we’re ready to compete at the highest level. That’s what I’m most excited about.”
As the Chiefs continue their march toward the postseason, one thing is for sure: Steve Spagnuolo is locked in and committed to helping lead the Chiefs’ defense to glory.
Steelers Will Be Missing 2 Important Starting Defenders In Rematch With Bengals
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday for the second time in the 2025 season. Pittsburgh lost the first matchup to the Bengals earlier in the season, and the Steelers are 1-2 since that loss. The Steelers desperately need to get back in the win column as their lead in the AFC North has dropped to just one game, but that will be hard to do against the potent offense of the Bengals, especially with the Steelers' offense struggling mightily over the last two weeks.
Pittsburgh's defense was horrendous during the last matchup with Cincinnati. The group gave up 33 points and couldn't find a way to stop the Bengals on the ground or through the air. Fans are hoping for a different outcome on Sunday, but that is going to be hard to come by as Pittsburgh is dealing with some significant injuries on that side of the football. The franchise's injury report came out on Friday, and Alex Highsmith , Darius Slay, and Cole Holcomb were all ruled out for the rematch with Cincinnati.
Slay exited Pittsburgh's Week 10 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers as he was being evaluated for a concussion, and he has been in the league's concussion protocol throughout the week. Hopefully he can return in Week 12, but he will miss the matchup with the Bengals. The same goes for Highsmith who is dealing with a pectoral injury.
Holcomb will also miss his third straight game due to an illness, but he did return to the practice field this week which should allow for him to return in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. The Slay and Highsmith news is much more significant as those are two regular starters for Pittsburgh, and Highsmith has been playing well in recent weeks when it comes to getting to the passer.
Cincinnati rosters arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league, which is why a good pass rush and coverage are so vital when it comes to beating them. The Steelers will have to find a way to do that without Highsmith. Nick Herbig will see the field more due to Highsmith's absence, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as he has played well throughout his young career and has seemed to take another step forward in 2025. Slay will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by James Pierre, as the coaching staff seems to like keeping Jalen Ramsey at safety.
Pierre has played well in 2025 despite seeing limited opportunities. He is currently eighth in the league when it comes to pass breakups, but he should be prepared to be targeted quite a bit while going up against a veteran quarterback.
Steelers Also Facing Injury Questions Along The Offensive Line
The left side of the offensive line is a little banged up in Pittsburgh. Broderick Jones was dealing with a groin injury throughout the week, but he should be ready to go on Sunday, while Isaac Seumalo is in danger of missing his second straight game as he has been ruled questionable. The veteran guard has been fighting a nagging pectoral injury, and he has exited games in recent weeks for that issue. He missed Pittsburgh's game against the Chargers in Week 10.
Spencer Anderson filled in at left guard, but he gave up four pressures in the loss to Los Angeles, which is concerning for this matchup with Cincinnati. This could also affect Pittsburgh's "jumbo package," which has been a big key for the offense when it comes to running the ball well.
