Looks like D'Alesio played S at Youngstown St and after graduation got hired by Bo Pelini when he became HC. First coaching DL then Co/DC and DL lastly the sole DC/DL before heading with Pelini to LSU as an analyst.
* During his time at Youngstown State, D'Alesio spent time as the Penguins' defensive coordinator, defensive line coach and defensive quality control coach.
In 2019 as the Penguins defensive coordinator, D'Alesio led a defensive unit that ranked seventh in pass defense, 10th in sacks and 24th in total defensive in the FCS. Under his tutelage standout player DE Justus Reed was named first-team All-MVFC and second-team All-American after logging 12.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss during the 2019 season.*
https://www.chiefs.com/team/coaches-...onald-d-alesio
* In 2016, D'Alesio had two standout defensive ends in NFL Draft picks Derek Rivers and Avery Moss. Rivers was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots with the 83rd overall pick while Moss was selected in the fifth round by the New York Giants as pick No. 167. *
Shows Pelini held him in high regard as he quickly grew in his first coaching job. Played DB but started off coaching DL. 2016 Derek Rivers 3rd Rd pick of the Pats. Their DL coach then? Brendan Daly. 5th rd pick Avery Moss with Giants where Spags was DC. So possible to assume they liked at least that those two DL he coached were at least well coached players. That and a recommendation from Pelini was enough to hire him as a low level assistant job last year. He must have proved enough they felt good promoting him. I believe he worked with the DB group last year in KC. Probably lots of watching Madison coach CBs and Merritt coach Safety's. Spags has most of his position group input in the DB group and spends lots of time with them. Always nice to see someone promoted if they have impressed and deserve. Hope he continues to grow