The Kansas City Chiefs are making some strategic moves to stabilize their coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball, even as the offense undergoes significant change. One of the key developments?
The return of Terry Bradden as assistant defensive line coach. It’s a reunion of sorts-Bradden spent last season coaching the defensive line at Nebraska, but before that, he logged eight seasons in Kansas City, contributing to all three of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning squads.
Now, he’s back in the fold with a bump in title and a clear focus: help lead the defensive line alongside Joe Cullen.
Speaking of Cullen, his return wasn’t a sure thing. He was in the mix for the defensive coordinator job with the Raiders, but once Las Vegas made their hire, Cullen was locked back in with the Chiefs.
That’s a big win for Kansas City. Cullen brings a deep understanding of not just the defensive system, but the offense too-he’s seen it up close in practice for years.
Pairing him again with Bradden, a coach who knows the culture, the expectations, and the standard set by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, gives the Chiefs a familiar and experienced tandem in the trenches.
But there’s work to be done.
Kansas City’s pass rush was hit-or-miss last season. In a year where Patrick Mahomes battled through a knee injury and the offense wasn’t always firing on all cylinders, the defense had to shoulder more of the load.
That inconsistency up front simply won’t cut it if the Chiefs are going to keep contending at the highest level. Cullen and Bradden are being tasked with tightening up a unit that’s shown flashes of dominance but lacked week-to-week reliability.
A big part of that equation is Chris Jones. The All-Pro defensive tackle didn’t have the kind of season fans have come to expect.
Sure, he faced constant double-teams, but even Jones himself joked on social media that he “took the year off.” Whether that was tongue-in-cheek or something more, it’s clear there are questions about his motor after securing a major payday.
That’s where Cullen’s influence becomes even more critical. He’s worked with elite talent before, and if anyone can reignite Jones’ fire and get him back to wrecking games, it’s Cullen.
The Chiefs also have some decisions to make when it comes to personnel. Whether it’s through the draft or free agency, they’ll need to find help along the defensive front-particularly someone who can take pressure off Jones and force offenses to spread their protection schemes.
Kansas City knows their system, and they know the type of players who can thrive in it. With Bradden and Cullen helping to evaluate talent alongside Spagnuolo and GM Brett Veach, the Chiefs are positioning themselves to reload, not rebuild.
Bottom line: continuity matters. In a league where coaching turnover is constant and schemes evolve fast, bringing back two coaches who know the playbook, the locker room, and the championship standard could be the steadying force the Chiefs need. Especially if they’re heading into a season where the defense might have to lead the way.