In 2026, as the coaching carousel spins, three NFL teams find themselves considering Steve Spagnuolo for their head coaching vacancies, each for distinct reasons. Spagnuolo, renowned for his defensive genius and his ability to shape aggressive, opportunistic units, is a coveted name in the coaching community. Here are three teams who could make a move for him:
**1. The Washington Commanders: A Defensive Rebuild**
In 2026, the Washington Commanders have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, with a promising defense that hasn’t fully lived up to its potential. With their current coach underperforming and lacking the ability to unlock the defensive roster’s full potential, the Commanders’ front office begins searching for a solution. Steve Spagnuolo, having built one of the league’s most feared defenses in Kansas City, stands out as the perfect candidate.
The team has elite pass-rushers in Montez Sweat and Chase Young, along with strong linebackers like Jamin Davis. However, the defense has been inconsistent, often failing to convert pressure into turnovers or to stay disciplined against high-powered offenses. Washington’s brass sees in Spagnuolo a coach who can fix these problems. His aggressive, blitz-heavy schemes, which have terrorized offenses in Kansas City, would bring the necessary swagger and discipline to this Commanders defense.
Spagnuolo is offered a deal with full control over defensive personnel decisions, knowing that his track record of developing players, especially young talent, could give Washington’s defense a new identity. The franchise sees him as a stabilizing force, hoping to build a championship-caliber unit from the back end up.
**2. The Las Vegas Raiders: A Changing of the Guard**
The Raiders’ offense has been high-flying for years, but their defense remains a liability. By 2026, the team is tired of its inability to compete on both sides of the ball, and the front office acknowledges that the window with their star quarterback is closing. After several failed attempts to bring in an elite defensive coordinator, the Raiders make a bold move and offer Steve Spagnuolo the head coaching job, believing his experience could balance their roster.
The decision is a risk, but the Raiders believe Spagnuolo’s defensive mind could reignite their franchise. Spagnuolo’s ability to craft aggressive schemes that confuse quarterbacks, paired with a well-rounded defense and some notable individual talents (like Maxx Crosby and Trevon Moehrig), gives the Raiders hope. Additionally, Spagnuolo’s calm, experienced demeanor is just what the Raiders need after several seasons of instability at the helm.
Taking on the head coaching role in Vegas is seen as an opportunity for Spagnuolo to craft his own team, molding a squad that can play both sides of the ball at an elite level. The franchise hopes that Spagnuolo, whose defenses have delivered in the postseason, will have the same effect on the Raiders’ playoff aspirations.
**3. The Atlanta Falcons: A New Direction**
By 2026, the Atlanta Falcons are ready for a fresh start. Despite a promising young quarterback in Desmond Ridder and a solid offensive foundation, the team has been undermined by poor defensive play and lackluster leadership at the top. After years of rebuilding, the Falcons’ front office believes the time has come to hire a head coach with a proven pedigree—someone who can immediately transform their defense into a playoff-caliber unit.
Spagnuolo, whose defensive schemes have led to dominance in Kansas City, is seen as the ideal candidate to revamp a defense that has consistently failed to stop high-powered offenses. With key defensive players like Grady Jarrett and AJ Terrell in place, the Falcons believe Spagnuolo’s ability to use players in creative ways will finally give them the competitive edge.
Spagnuolo’s leadership, experience, and aggressive philosophy would breathe new life into the Falcons. His ability to turn good players into great ones is highly appealing to the organization, which is looking for a coach who can build a defense capable of going toe-to-toe with NFC powerhouses like the 49ers and Eagles. Under Spagnuolo’s direction, the Falcons hope to return to their glory days, where strong defense and timely plays led them to championship contention.
In the coming months, these three teams will each enter the race for Steve Spagnuolo’s services, hoping that the defensive mastermind can bring their franchises back to the postseason—and beyond.
