Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo
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Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo is reuniting with a familiar face on his staff.
With the NFL Scouting Combine on the horizon, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to alter their coaching staff. The group working for head coach Andy Reid changes more by the week, although some things are remaining the same in a way.
Another example of that developed on Thursday, just a day after it was reported that Kansas City is going outside the Reid tree to hire DeMarco Murray as running backs coach.
This time, it’s the defensive side of the ball that weaves in a different theme. It’s one Reid and company know quite well: familiarity.
Chiefs Reunite With Terry Bradden as Assistant Defensive Line Coach: Report
Per a February 12 report from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Terry Bradden is returning to the Chiefs’ staff.
“The Chiefs are hiring Terry Bradden as an assistant defensive line coach, sources tell CBS Sports,” Zenitz’s tweet began. “Was the defensive line coach for Nebraska in 2025. Before that, worked for Kansas City for eight seasons and was a part of KC’s three Super Bowl teams. Now returning to KC.”
Matt Zenitz
The #Chiefs are hiring Terry Bradden as an assistant defensive line coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
Was the defensive line coach for Nebraska in 2025. Before that, worked for Kansas City for eight seasons and was a part of KC’s three Super Bowl teams. Now returning to KC.
Bradden, a collegiate player at Howard and Tuskegee, got his coaching start at Florida Atlantic. After serving as a special teams quality control coach for them, he worked his way over to Inlet Grove High School, only to return to college as a graduate assistant at Bethune-Cookman. The Chiefs took a chance on him from there, letting him begin as a defensive assistant and growing thereafter.
Following an extended stretch in Kansas City, Bradden went to Nebraska as defensive line coach. The Cornhuskers went just 7-5 during the regular season, giving up 77 points in their final two contests. Following a November 28 loss to Iowa (40-16), it was eventually reported that Bradden was let go by head coach Matt Rhule.
Now, the three-time Super Bowl champion is back in the NFL ranks.
Reported Bradden Hire Continues Kansas City’s Evolution
Similar to the reunion with Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs are going back to what they know. Bradden has a track record of helping influence a championship-level defense. It clear that following an underwhelming campaign, improvement along the defensive front is needed. Tapping back into thoughts and tutelage of a familiar mind may not be the worst idea.
Prior to his 2025 return to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a Nebraska-Cincinnati game, Bradden reflected on a special opportunity.
“It’s a beautiful stadium,” Bradden said. “I’ve been getting calls from George Karlaftis, guys of that nature talking about coming to the game, guys that I’ve coached, but it’s just one day at a time, focus on the small things.”
With Bradden presumably back in the saddle soon, what can he work to help with? It’s no secret that Kansas City’s defense declined in 2025-26 after a clutch effort the year prior. Although coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s crew held respectable marks overall, underlying metrics didn’t reflect a great performance.
For example, per SumerSports, the Chiefs were 12th in EPA per play in 17 regular-season outings. Against the pass, they sat 15th. Consistently getting home to the quarterback was an issue all year long. Defensive tackle Chris Jones showed his age a bit, and defensive end George Karlaftis failed to take a step forward and also nursed a thumb injury for weeks. As a defense, 35 sacks from Weeks 1-18 sat tied for seventh-fewest.
The Chiefs certainly have work to do on the personnel front. General manager Brett Veach must pull the right levers to make his roster more formidable. Development from the coaching staff can help, too, which may be the objective with bringing Bradden back.
Time will tell if it’s the right hire.