Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Coaching Shuffle: Joe Cullen’s Potential Departure and What Comes Next

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to make waves with their offensive coaching changes, attention must also be paid to the potential shakeups on the defensive side of the ball. One key figure currently in the spotlight is Joe Cullen, the Chiefs’ defensive line coach, who has already attracted interest from multiple teams for the role of defensive coordinator. If Cullen decides to leave, the Chiefs will face some difficult decisions about reshuffling their defensive staff.

Cullen has been an integral part of the Chiefs’ defensive coaching staff for four seasons, having joined the team from the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his time in Kansas City, Cullen has helped solidify the Chiefs’ defensive line, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl LVII victory. However, with a couple of interviews already under his belt—first with the Washington Commanders and then with the Baltimore Ravens—it seems Cullen may be on the verge of moving up the ranks to a defensive coordinator role.

The Washington Commanders have targeted Cullen as part of Dan Quinn’s defensive unit, while the Ravens are interested in bringing him on board to assist in building Jesse Minter’s inaugural coaching staff. Though no official decisions have been made yet, the Chiefs’ brass would be wise to anticipate a potential departure and begin considering their options for replacing Cullen if necessary.

Terry Bradden: A Familiar Option for the Chiefs

In the event that Cullen does leave, the Chiefs already have a viable option in mind to fill the defensive line coach position: Terry Bradden, a seasoned defensive coach with a deep understanding of the Chiefs’ system. Bradden, who was with the Chiefs from 2017 to 2024, has extensive experience within the organization and could step right back into the role should Cullen depart.

Bradden initially joined the Chiefs as a defensive assistant under Bob Sutton in 2017. When Steve Spagnuolo took over as defensive coordinator in 2019, Bradden was retained and later promoted to assistant defensive line coach. His time in Kansas City provided him with valuable experience working with the defensive line, and he earned a solid reputation for his ability to develop players.

However, after leaving for the University of Nebraska in 2025, Bradden’s tenure with the Cornhuskers was short-lived. Despite a promising start, he was let go by Matt Rhule after just one season. Rhule, who had brought Bradden in, decided to make a change, parting ways with him and his defensive coordinator John Butler in favor of hiring Rob Aurich from San Diego State.

With Bradden now available on the coaching market, the Chiefs could find themselves in an advantageous position. While hiring a coach who was recently let go may not seem like the most glamorous option, Bradden’s deep knowledge of the Chiefs’ defensive system and his previous success within the organization make him an intriguing candidate for a potential return.

The Chiefs’ In-House Options

While Bradden is a strong contender for the job, the Chiefs aren’t without other options. Two current staff members, Matt House and Brendan Daly, both have significant experience and could step into expanded roles within the defense. House, who is already on staff, could take on a more prominent role focusing on linebackers, allowing Daly to return to the defensive line. Daly has worked with the defensive line in the past and could seamlessly transition back to this position, providing a smooth continuity for the defense.

However, the Chiefs may also want to consider bringing in new blood to revitalize their defensive coaching unit. While Spagnuolo has a long-standing history with many of the current coaches, fresh ideas and perspectives could prove beneficial, especially as the Chiefs look to address some of the areas where their defense has underperformed in recent seasons.

What Happens Next for Joe Cullen and the Chiefs?

For now, Joe Cullen remains the Chiefs’ defensive line coach. It’s possible that he will stay with the team, continuing his work with the defensive front. However, with multiple teams showing interest in his services, the Chiefs could find themselves needing to make a move sooner rather than later.

If Cullen decides to stay, it would be a huge win for the Chiefs, as his leadership and expertise have been crucial in developing the team’s defensive line into one of the league’s top units. But should Cullen move on, Steve Spagnuolo has several potential avenues to explore, both internally and externally.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has shown that it can perform at a high level when properly coached, and with Spagnuolo at the helm, the team will undoubtedly continue to look for ways to evolve and improve. Whether the Chiefs look to rehire a familiar face like Bradden, promote from within, or seek new blood from the coaching market, it’s clear that their defensive line will remain a key focus as they aim to build a more well-rounded team for the upcoming season.

As we await more developments, it’s clear that the Chiefs’ coaching staff will be undergoing some changes in the near future, and how they handle the potential departure of Cullen will be a pivotal moment in shaping the defense moving forward.

This version maintains the core points of the original article while expanding on each aspect in greater detail. The article not only covers Joe Cullen’s potential departure but also explores Terry Bradden‘s potential return and the other options available to Steve Spagnuolo and the Chiefs, making it more comprehensive and engaging.