The Chiefs' NFLPA Embarrassment Overshadowed Some Scary Coaching News

Thus far, the Kansas City Chiefs 2024 have been something of a roller coaster. While there were obviously some incredible highs, like confirming dynasty status with another Lombardi Trophy and potentially making progress on an Andy Reid extension, things have since gotten a bit more complicated.

A tight salary cap situation has set the stage for some tough roster choices, and the new NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Team Report Cards left the club with egg on its metaphorical face. While that final news peg stole most of the headlines on Wednesday afternoon, there was another on-field matter that slipped under the radar. And it could set up a challenging personnel change in the Chiefs' ranks.

Let's break things down.

Defensive Backs Coach Could Be Interviewing

Within the Chiefs coaching staff, Andy Reid understandably garners most of the attention. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo earned himself plenty of praise during the 2023 campaign, as his unit emerged as the backbone of the team's success. But those two men aren't the only ones working behind the scenes to help KC shine.

And, as tends to happen, collective success garners attention from outside the organization.

The San Francisco 49ers are interviewing Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt for their defensive coordinator opening, according to the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The NFC champs, of course, fired Steve Wilks after losing to Kansas City in the Super Bowl.

It goes without saying that an interview isn't a guarantee of anything, and the Niners have other candidates. Former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, 49ers defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen and defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks are also up for the job, and it's possible that their experience (whether leading an organization or working within the building) will give them the edge.

That said, even the idea of losing Merritt seems scary for the back-to-back champs.

Losing Merritt Could Unbalance KC's Evolution

To be clear, it's tough to split responsibilities within an overall unit. We don't know, for example, how much Spagnuolo deals with his defensive backs and how much he leaves to his staff. Even with that disclaimer, though, losing Merritt could affect the club's balance.

The 2023 Chiefs succeeded on the back of a strong defense. During the regular season, they allowed the second-fewest overall yards and fourth-fewest passing yards per game. They also kept opposing teams out of the end zone, allowing the second-fewest points per game.

The secondary played a key role in that success. With the likes of L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie blanketing opposing receivers, Spagnuolo was free to bring his signature pressure. It was a high-stakes game of chicken—a blown coverage could lead to a big gain—but the Chiefs' defensive backs were able to hold their own and allow the pass rush to get home.

Given his title, it's reasonable to give Merritt credit for that success. And, on the back of that strong campaign, it'd be a shame to lose the man who was at least partially responsible.

But wait, you might be saying, teams always have to evolve. In 2023, the Chiefs' pendulum swung toward defense. Maybe in 2024 they'll lose a defensive star, bring in a big-time receiver and swing back toward the offensive side of things. Wouldn't that lessen the impact of losing someone like Merritt?

The problem, however, arises when evolution happens at an unreasonable pace. Gradual change is one thing, but a rapid shift can unsettle the entire house of cards. The Chiefs and Merritt have had success in developing defensive backs: McDuffie was a first-round pick, but Sneed was selected in the fourth round and, before him, Charvarius Ward grew from an undrafted player on the Cowboys practice squad to a regular contributor. So losing the defensive backs coach could throw things off.

It's one thing to lose Sneed and slot McDuffie into the top job when you have confidence that any defensive back entering the organization will improve. But without Merritt on the staff, that's not a guarantee.

The concern is less about McDuffie himself and more about the chain reaction. If your No. 2 defensive back steps up, everyone else will need to follow suit. And if there's a weak link in your secondary, every opposing team will target him. Forget about leaving him on an island during a crucial blitz. And that prompts an entire strategic shift.

Again, it's one thing if that unit declines over time and other groups can step up. The 2023 offense, for example, was less explosive than before, but a strong defense gave it a bit more breathing room. But it's another thing when one unit gets weaker before the rest of the team can compensate.

Even if Merritt doesn't leave this offseason, his interview does highlight how stable the Chiefs have been, even during this successful run. Barring some change at offensive coordinator (Matt Nagy was replaced by Eric Bieniemy, who was in turn replaced by Nagy), there hasn't been much internal turnover. That has allowed for overall stability and, again, gradual evolutions.

But you can't keep the band together forever. That's true in terms of players, and it's usually true for coaches too.

And when you're in dynasty mode, any potential setback can be scary.