Super Bowl results can define careers. Football fans give winners higher regard while the losers undergo intense criticism. That scenario happened with the two defensive coordinators in Super Bowl 58 as Steve Spagnuolo received a contract extension while Steve Wilks got fired.

The Chiefs’ official Twitter account announced the news about Spagnuolo’s contract extension. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, his return will boost a defensive unit that dominated the opposition throughout the 2023 NFL season.

Under his guidance, the Chiefs ranked second in total yards allowed (289.8) and in points allowed (17.3) per game during the regular season. In the playoffs, they limited opponents to 15.75 points. Spagnuolo’s coaching helped maximize the talents of Chris Jones, Drue Tranquill, Charles Omenihu, Trent McDuffie, and L’Jarius Sneed.

The Chiefs’ Super Bowl 58 victory is the fourth time he has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. He won Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants, thwarting the New England Patriots’ quest for a perfect 19-0 season.

Conversely, the 25-22 loss to the Chiefs cost Steve Wilks his job as the 49ers fired him after one season as defensive coordinator. The Niners were also one of the best defensive teams, surrendering only 17.5 points per game, the third-best rate during the regular season.

However, that rate worsened during the playoffs, as they allowed 25.7 points per game. While the Chiefs scored only 19 points in regulation and caught a lucky break after a muffed punt return that shortened the field, they have decided to part ways with a coach with 16 years of NFL coaching experience.

-Lance Fernandez