The NFL coaching carousel has been spinning non-stop this offseason, with ten new head coaches stepping in across the league. That kind of turnover sets off a chain reaction - new hires, new schemes, and plenty of staff shuffling.
One name that’s been in the mix? Joe Cullen, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line coach.
But after a flurry of interviews and some near-moves, it looks like Cullen is staying put in Kansas City - and that’s a big win for the Chiefs.
Cullen was on the radar for multiple defensive coordinator openings. He interviewed with both the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens, two teams undergoing major transitions of their own.
In Washington, new head coach Dan Quinn ultimately chose Daronte Jones to run the defense. In Baltimore, Jesse Minter - stepping in as the Ravens’ new head coach - opted for Anthony Weaver to lead his defensive unit.
With those top jobs now off the board, Cullen appears to be headed back to Kansas City in 2026. And while there was some thought he might consider a lateral move - perhaps joining the Ravens as their defensive line coach, a position he held from 2016 to 2020 - that door is closing too. Baltimore is reportedly finalizing a deal with Lou Esposito, who coached the defensive line at Michigan, to fill that role.
All of this points to Cullen returning for a fifth season with the Chiefs, and that continuity could be a major asset for Kansas City’s defense. Cullen has been a steady presence on the staff since 2022, and his resume speaks for itself. Before joining Andy Reid’s crew, he served as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator in 2021 and helped build some tough defensive fronts in Baltimore prior to that.
If Cullen had been looking for a change of scenery, Baltimore would’ve made a lot of sense. He knows the building, the culture, and the expectations. But the Ravens went in a different direction, and now the Chiefs get to keep one of their most respected assistants - a coach who clearly has the attention of teams around the league.
That respect matters, especially as Kansas City prepares to retool its defensive line. The Chiefs used two Day 2 picks on the position in the 2025 draft, signaling a youth movement up front.
Chris Jones remains the anchor, but there’s going to be a lot of teaching, development, and molding required around him. That’s where Cullen’s experience becomes invaluable.
He’s not just a technician - though he’s certainly that - he’s also a motivator and a culture-setter. Young linemen tend to thrive under his watch, and with another wave of talent coming in, Cullen’s return gives the Chiefs a strong foundation to build on. In a league where coaching turnover is constant and continuity is rare, Kansas City holding onto Cullen could quietly be one of the offseason’s most important moves.