The Kansas City Chiefs are quietly reloading-not just on the field, but on the sidelines as well. As the team gears up for another title push, they’re bolstering their coaching staff with a couple of intriguing additions who bring fresh energy and a track record of player development.
On Thursday, two separate reports confirmed that the Chiefs are expected to hire Nate Pagan and C.J. Cox as quality control coaches-key behind-the-scenes roles that often serve as stepping stones for rising coaching talent.
Pagan, who’s spent the last seven seasons guiding wide receivers at Villanova, brings a strong offensive background and a knack for developing talent. Before taking over the wideouts, he served as an offensive assistant for two years at the same program.
One name that stands out from his tenure? Jaaron Hayek.
Under Pagan’s watch, Hayek blossomed into a standout receiver and earned a spot on the Chiefs’ 90-man offseason roster after impressing at rookie minicamp in 2024. That kind of player development doesn’t go unnoticed in the NFL, especially for a team like Kansas City that prides itself on finding and cultivating under-the-radar talent.
On the defensive side, C.J. Cox is expected to join the staff as well, bringing nearly a decade of experience coaching collegiate defensive backs.
Since 2017, Cox has worked with either cornerbacks or safeties across multiple college programs, most recently at Coastal Carolina. But what really stands out is his connection to Kansas City.
Cox has already spent time with the Chiefs through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship-twice, in fact, during the 2022 and 2023 offseasons. That familiarity with the organization gives him a leg up as he transitions into a more permanent role.
Quality control roles might not grab headlines, but they’re critical for building a cohesive, detail-oriented coaching staff. These positions are often filled by coaches who are grinders-film junkies, scheme nerds, and developmental minds who help bridge the gap between raw talent and on-field execution. For the Chiefs, adding guys like Pagan and Cox shows a continued investment in both innovation and continuity.
Kansas City has long been known for its ability to identify coaching talent early-just look at the long list of former assistants who’ve gone on to bigger roles across the league. With Pagan and Cox, the Chiefs are doubling down on that formula, bringing in two coaches who’ve proven they can teach, connect, and develop. In a league where margins are razor-thin, these kinds of hires can make all the difference.