Chiefs say this short slogan has helped Steve Spagnuolo rally his team’s defense

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton is around defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as much as anyone in the team’s facility.

So what, Bolton was asked Thursday, makes Spagnuolo such an effective coach?

Bolton gave a direct answer: He’s not afraid to change.

“He has one of his sayings that he likes to say a lot, ‘It’s not about who’s right; it’s about getting it right,’” Bolton said. “So that’s the mindset we have throughout the game.”

That worldview was evident during the Chiefs’ 27-24 road victory over the Buffalo Bills last week.

Afterward, players referenced Spagnuolo’s multiple halftime adjustments, including changing the Chiefs’ pass-rush lanes to limit quarterback Josh Allen’s scrambles.

The result was like many in previous games this season: KC’s defense was better late than early, allowing just seven points in the second half and none in the fourth quarter.

“He’ll change what we’ve been going through all week in the first quarter, second quarter, fourth quarter,” Bolton said. “Just trying to find ways.”

The Chiefs have thrived with this all season. They’re best in the NFL in points allowed in the second half of games, as opponents have averaged just 7.0 points after intermission in 19 contests.

In addition, no team has scored more than seven against the Chiefs in the second half of their last seven outings.

“That’s the Spagnuolo Effect,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “We make adjustments at halftime. We have the players that are able to take in those adjustments.”

Sometimes Spagnuolo inserts things in-game, Reid said, that the Chiefs didn’t practice throughout the week. That takes trust and plenty of buy-in from players who might be put in demanding situations.

This maneuverability is something even quarterback Patrick Mahomes has admired while watching on the sideline.

Mahomes, who said Spagnuolo has “a track record as one of the best defensive coordinators of all time,” says he’s been most impressed with the defense’s ability to make those in-game modifications.

“I think that’s a huge thing, and he’s really good at making those adjustments coming out (of halftime), and finishing the game the right way,” Mahomes said. “I said it in training camp, and I’ve said it all year long: I’m glad I don’t have to go up against those guys.”

Spagnuolo, in his fifth season as the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator, has received ample praise this week. That included words from Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who said the Chiefs have a “very smart” defensive system that is “well organized.”

“It’s a challenge to game-plan against,” Harbaugh said. “Honestly, I don’t understand why I don’t see Steve’s name for head coach (in the NFL). I’m scratching my head on that one. He’s very deserving of an opportunity.”

Spagnuolo, who previously was head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2009-11, told NFL.com’s Michael Eisen before last year’s Super Bowl that he’d “like that chance” at another head-coaching opportunity while also saying he was content if it didn’t happen.

One thing that might prevent that possibility is his age. Spagnuolo, 64, would rank as the second-oldest active NFL coach if another team hired him; only the Chiefs’ Andy Reid (65) would be ahead of him.

Reid, for his part, said Thursday he admired the amount of teaching Spagnuolo had done this season with a still-young group of defensive players. He also labeled Spagnuolo as the “general” of the defense, saying he was the one who designed all the team’s defensive play-calls that were thrown at opposing offenses.

“He’s got a great variety of pitches,” Reid said with a smile.

Reid also said Spagnuolo had an excellent feel for his defensive play-calling. The Chiefs have a reputation for blitzing all the time, but examine a bit deeper, and Reid says one will discover that’s not an accurate portrayal of KC’s attack.

“He doesn’t get overzealous with blitzing every down. Some guys do that. He picks and chooses the time,” Reid said. “But to do that, you’ve got to know — or at least have a feel — on what the offense is doing.”

And then you also have to have faith. The Chiefs believe in Spagnuolo’s scheme, Reid said, which is the critical factor for a team looking to play its best.

“He’s done a great job,” Reid said.

The Chiefs will face a difficult challenge Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens have the likely MVP winner in QB Lamar Jackson and also the NFL’s top rushing attack at 160 yards per game.

The good news for the Chiefs is they believe, at some point, they’ll get to the answers.

With Bolton reiterating the ultimate goal — as Spagnuolo preaches — is to get things right in the end.

“We feel like if there’s something better that could work or benefits us a little bit more in the second half, we’ll make that adjustment. We’ll execute the gameplan,” Bolton said. “We’ll find a way to keep people off the board.”