Chiefs Lose Defensive Assistant to Cardinals

Rod Wilson departs Kansas City after 7 seasons on Andy Reid's staff

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs have lost a key member of their defensive coaching staff, as outside linebackers coach Rod Wilson has accepted a job with the Arizona Cardinals as their new inside linebackers coach. Wilson spent the last 7 seasons with the Chiefs, helping guide their defense to 3 Super Bowl titles.

Why it matters

Wilson's departure is a blow to the Chiefs' defensive coaching staff, as he had developed a strong rapport with several of the team's top defensive players. His exit comes as the Chiefs look to retool their roster and coaching staff in an effort to return to the Super Bowl after missing the playoffs in 2025.

The details

Wilson, a former NFL linebacker, joined the Chiefs' coaching staff in 2017 as the assistant special teams coach. He was promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2024 and worked closely with players like Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton. In his 7 seasons with the Chiefs, the team won 3 Super Bowls.

  • Wilson joined the Chiefs' coaching staff in 2017.
  • He was promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2024.
  • Wilson spent the last 4 seasons as the Chiefs' outside linebackers coach.
  • On Thursday, Wilson accepted a job as the inside linebackers coach with the Arizona Cardinals.

The players

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has led the team to 3 Super Bowl titles in 13 seasons.

Rod Wilson

The former outside linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, who is leaving the team to take a job as the inside linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

Steve Spagnuolo

The defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, who is being retained on the coaching staff.

Matt Nagy

The former offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has departed to take a job with the New York Giants.

Eric Bieniemy

The new offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, replacing Matt Nagy.

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What they’re saying

“The #Cardinals have finalized the hiring of #Chiefs outside linebackers coach Rod Wilson as inside linebackers coach, sources tell @CBSSports.”

— Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports Reporter (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Chiefs will now need to find a replacement for Wilson on their defensive coaching staff as they look to retool their roster and return to the Super Bowl in 2026.

The takeaway

The departure of Rod Wilson is a significant loss for the Chiefs' defensive coaching staff, as he had played a key role in the team's success over the past 7 seasons. His exit comes at a critical time for the Chiefs as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and reclaim their spot among the NFL's elite teams.