Chiefs Getting the Band Back Together with Another Coaching Addition

Kansas City, Mo. — In a move that will bring a familiar face back to the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid has continued to shape his 2026 coaching staff by reuniting with Terry Bradden, who will return to the team as the assistant defensive line coach. Bradden, who previously served on the Chiefs’ coaching staff from 2017 to 2024, departed for a brief stint as the defensive line coach at Nebraska. Now, according to insider Matt Zenitz, Bradden is set to resume his role in Kansas City, much to the excitement of Reid and the Chiefs’ defense.

A Key Return to the Chiefs Coaching Staff

Bradden’s return to the Chiefs marks the continuation of Reid’s efforts to solidify his coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season. Having spent eight successful years with the Chiefs, Bradden worked closely with the defensive line, helping to develop elite talent like Chris Jones, who was named first-team All-Pro for three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2024.

In a week of coaching moves, Bradden is not the only major addition. Reid also hired DeMarco Murray, the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year, to coach the running backs. Both of these moves signal Reid’s focus on improving collaboration within the staff and ensuring that all phases of the game, from offense to defense, are in sync for the 2026 NFL season.

Reid’s Emphasis on Collaboration and Continuity

In a statement earlier this year, Reid stressed the importance of collaboration and continuity within the coaching staff. He praised key members of the offensive and defensive coaching teams, including Eric Bieniemy (offensive coordinator) and Steve Spagnuolo (defensive coordinator), noting that these seasoned coaches were essential to the team’s success. “I’ve got great guys here,” Reid said on January 26, adding, “there’s good continuity, there’s good teamwork that goes on. I know everybody can function well together.”

This teamwork and continuity are especially crucial for the Chiefs’ defense, where the addition of Bradden is expected to make an immediate impact. As a defensive line coach, Bradden worked closely with Chris Jones, helping the star lineman to reach new heights, including matching his career-best 15½ sacks in 2022, a number Jones first set in 2018.

Bradden’s Journey and Impact on the Defensive Line

Bradden’s journey into coaching began after a brief stint as a college quarterback at Howard University (2009-2010). He transitioned into coaching in 2014 as a special-teams assistant at Florida Atlantic before becoming a high school head coach at Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach, Florida. After spending time at Bethune-Cookman, he joined the Chiefs in 2017, where he quickly made a name for himself.

From 2018 to 2020, Bradden served as the defensive quality control coach before moving into the assistant defensive line coach role from 2021 to 2024. During his time with the Chiefs, Bradden played an instrumental role in the development of key players like Chris Jones, helping to refine their technique and bolster the team’s overall defensive performance. Under his guidance, Jones emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, earning first-team All-Pro honors and consistently being a force on the Chiefs’ defensive line.

Bradden’s Short Stint at Nebraska and the Chiefs’ Coaching Continuity

Bradden’s time at Nebraska in 2025 was a roller-coaster experience. After a strong start to the season, the Cornhuskers struggled, finishing the year with a 7-5 record and finishing 30th in total defense. Despite this, Bradden’s ability to develop talent and his experience in the NFL remains a major asset for the Chiefs, especially as they aim to improve their defensive line play in the coming seasons.

The Chiefs’ coaching staff continuity is crucial as they look to build on their recent success, including their Super Bowl LVII victory. Retaining experienced coaches like Joe Cullen (defensive line coach) ensures that Bradden will have a strong partnership in shaping the defensive line. Cullen, who interviewed for defensive coordinator positions with Washington and Baltimore, will work alongside Bradden to develop the next generation of defensive talent.

What’s Next for the Chiefs Defense?

As the 2026 season approaches, the Chiefs will look to continue their defensive improvement with Bradden back on board. With Bradden’s knowledge of the team and his previous success in developing talent, the Chiefs’ defensive line is poised to be even more dangerous in the coming year. The continuity brought by this coaching staff, combined with the leadership of Chris Jones, will be essential for the Chiefs as they look to challenge for another Super Bowl title.

With Bradden’s return and other strategic coaching hires, the Chiefs’ defense is expected to take another step forward in 2026, making them even more formidable as they aim for continued success in the AFC.