The Washington Commanders have officially intensified their search for a new defensive coordinator.
According to multiple reports, Washington has interviewed Joe Cullen, currently the defensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The interview marks one of the most notable developments in the Commanders’ offseason coaching search so far.
It also immediately drew attention across the league.
This is not a low-profile assistant being quietly evaluated.
Joe Cullen is a respected veteran coach with deep NFL roots.
And his name carries weight in defensive coaching circles.
The news quickly spread beyond front offices.
It reached players.
It reached fans.
And it reached the Chiefs’ locker room.
Chiefs star defensive lineman Chris Jones reacted almost instantly on social media.
“Oh, sh!+….” Jones wrote in response to the report.
The comment was brief.
But it was revealing.
It captured surprise.
It captured concern.
And it captured how important Cullen is to Kansas City’s defensive culture.
Players rarely react publicly unless a coach truly matters to them.
Joe Cullen’s coaching journey is extensive.
It is also unconventional.
He entered the NFL in 2006 as a defensive assistant with the Detroit Lions.
That role marked his first exposure to professional football.
After three seasons, Cullen made an unusual move.
He returned to the college ranks in 2009.
The decision did not slow his momentum.
Instead, it broadened his experience.
One year later, Cullen was back in the NFL.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hired him as their defensive line coach in 2010.
That hire began a long stretch of consistent employment across respected franchises.
Cullen developed a reputation as a technician.
He emphasized fundamentals.
He emphasized toughness.
He emphasized accountability.
In 2013, Cullen joined the Cleveland Browns.
One year later, he moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He remained there from 2014 through 2015.
His next stop would prove significant.
In 2016, Cullen joined the Baltimore Ravens.
He spent five seasons with Baltimore.
That tenure solidified his standing in the league.
The Ravens’ defensive identity is built in the trenches.
Cullen thrived in that environment.
He coached physical defensive lines.
He developed versatile fronts.
He earned trust from both players and coordinators.
By 2021, Cullen was ready for a larger role.
The Jaguars named him their defensive coordinator.
It was his first opportunity to run an entire NFL defense.
That season came with challenges.
Jacksonville was still rebuilding.
Results were inconsistent.
But Cullen gained invaluable experience.
He learned how to manage personnel.
He learned how to install schemes.
He learned how to handle game-planning responsibilities.
Coordinator experience matters deeply when teams evaluate candidates.
The Kansas City Chiefs recognized that value.
They hired Cullen in 2022 as their defensive line coach.
Since then, Kansas City’s defensive front has been a cornerstone of its success.
Chris Jones has continued to dominate.
Role players have maximized their potential.
Depth has been maintained.
Consistency has been achieved.
That does not happen accidentally.
Cullen’s coaching has been a major factor.
This is why Washington’s interest is significant.
Earlier this week, the Commanders fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr..
That move signaled dissatisfaction with the direction of the defense.
It also created urgency.
Washington is not simply filling a vacancy.
They are attempting to redefine their defensive identity.
They want structure.
They want physicality.
They want leadership.
Joe Cullen offers all three.
The Commanders’ roster is young.
Their defensive line has potential.
What it lacks is cohesion.
Cullen’s background suggests he could provide that.
His experience across multiple systems makes him adaptable.
His coordinator background makes him credible.
And his championship-level exposure in Kansas City makes him appealing.
For the Chiefs, the timing is uncomfortable.
Kansas City has already lost assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham to the University of Michigan.
They also fired wide receivers coach Connor Embree.
Staff turnover is beginning to accumulate.
Each departure increases the value of continuity.
Each potential loss raises concern internally.
Chris Jones’ reaction reflects that reality.
Defensive stars care deeply about who coaches them.
The Commanders’ interview does not guarantee a hire.
But it sends a clear message.
Washington is targeting experienced coaches from winning programs.
They are not settling for untested options.
They are aiming higher.
For Cullen, the opportunity represents a possible career pivot.
A second chance to run a defense.
This time with more experience.
This time with perspective.
This time with lessons learned.
Whether Cullen ultimately accepts the role remains unknown.
But the interest alone underscores his standing in the league.
It also highlights a recurring NFL truth.
Winning staffs are constantly under attack.
Success breeds opportunity.
Even behind the scenes.
As the Commanders continue their search, this interview will loom large.
It represents ambition.
It represents intent.
And it represents a possible shift in defensive philosophy.
For now, one thing is certain.
Joe Cullen’s name is no longer flying under the radar.
And both Washington and Kansas City are watching very closely what comes next.
