Sutton's first job in the coaching ranks came as a graduate assistant under
Bo Schembechler at
Michigan in 1972 and 1973. In 1974, he moved on to
Syracuse University where he served as linebackers coach for the Orange. After just one year he began the first of two stints at
Western Michigan University then onto the
University of Illinois, where he was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 1977 to 1979. The Chiefs finished in the top seven in scoring defense in each of Sutton's first four seasons, ranking second in 2014. Despite the gradual year-over-year improvement in the Chiefs' win–loss record, Sutton drew growing criticism as the defense cost them playoff games, starting when the team blew the 38–10 lead to lose 44–45 to the
Indianapolis Colts in 2014, and then suffered eliminations at the hands of the
Pittsburgh Steelers,
Tennessee Titans, and
New England Patriots in the 2016–2018 postseasons; in these latter three losses the Chiefs had home advantage and surrendered a considerable amount of rushing yards. The ''Kansas City Star's'' Sam Mellinger noted that "The offense was a rocket ship, especially early, which meant the defense was often playing with the lead in obvious passing situations. That played to the group’s strength, which was the pass rush, and away from its weaknesses — stopping the run and quick passes". Sutton had reportedly lost the support of players and coaches who felt that his "lack of adjustments has been a non-stop frustration", so he was relieved of his duties two days after the loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, when the Chiefs defense twice failed to hold a 4th quarter lead and surrendered several 3rd and long conversions on New England's game-winning touchdown drive in overtime. The overtime drive highlighted Sutton's weaknesses that cost him his job, as the Patriots largely converted those 3rd downs on near-identical plays. Notably, CBS commentator
Tony Romo was successfully able to predict the plays based on the formation, which led to even more criticism of Sutton.
The following season, under new defensive coordinator
Steve Spagnuolo, Kansas City posted an identical 12–4 record despite injuries to Mahomes and several other key offensive pieces, as an improved defense gave Kansas City a more balanced team that went on to win
the Super Bowl.
Atlanta Falcons In February 2019, the
Atlanta Falcons named Sutton a Senior Assistant.
Jacksonville Jaguars Sutton became the senior defensive assistant of the
Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2023 season. He, along with several other defensive staff members, were fired after the season. ==Personal life==