Will A Defensive Coordinator Top Schottenheimer's Chiefs To-Do List?

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. One of the biggest reasons for the Chiefs' struggles was their defense, which allowed the most points per game in the NFL. As a result, many believe that the Chiefs' top priority this offseason should be to hire a defensive coordinator who can turn around one of the worst defenses in the league.

The Case for Hiring a Defensive Coordinator

There are several reasons why the Chiefs should hire a defensive coordinator this offseason. First, the Chiefs' defense has been one of the worst in the NFL for several years now. In 2022, the Chiefs allowed the most points per game in the NFL and finished 31st in yards allowed per game. This is simply unacceptable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Second, the Chiefs have several young players on their defense who could benefit from the guidance of a experienced defensive coordinator. Players like Nick Bolton, L'Jarius Sneed, and Chris Jones have all shown flashes of potential, but they need more consistency. A good defensive coordinator could help these players reach their full potential.

Finally, hiring a defensive coordinator would send a message to the rest of the league that the Chiefs are serious about improving their defense. This would be a positive step for a team that has been struggling on that side of the ball for several years.

The Case Against Hiring a Defensive Coordinator

There are also some arguments against the Chiefs hiring a defensive coordinator this offseason. First, the Chiefs have a lot of other needs on their roster. They need to upgrade their offensive line, add depth to their receiving corps, and find a long-term solution at quarterback. Hiring a defensive coordinator would take away resources from these other areas.

Second, the Chiefs have a good track record of developing young defensive players. They have been able to turn late-round picks and undrafted free agents into productive starters. There is no guarantee that a new defensive coordinator would be able to replicate this success.

Finally, the Chiefs have a lot of continuity on their coaching staff. Andy Reid has been the head coach for 10 years, and he has assembled a staff of experienced coaches. Hiring a new defensive coordinator could disrupt this continuity.

Conclusion

The Chiefs have a big decision to make this offseason. They need to decide whether to hire a defensive coordinator or focus on other areas of their roster. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what the Chiefs believe is the best way to improve their team.

If the Chiefs do decide to hire a defensive coordinator, there are several good candidates available. Some of the top candidates include Vic Fangio, Rex Ryan, and Wade Phillips. These are all experienced coaches with a track record of success. They would all be good candidates to help the Chiefs turn around their defense.

However, if the Chiefs decide to focus on other areas of their roster, they need to make sure they are making the right decisions. They need to add talent to their offensive line, receiving corps, and quarterback position. They also need to make sure they are getting the most out of their young defensive players.

The Chiefs have a lot of work to do this offseason, but they have the resources to make significant improvements. They need to make the right decisions, and they need to be patient. If they can do that, they can get back to being a contender in the AFC.