The Baltimore Ravens are exploring a familiar face in their search for a new defensive coordinator. According to reports, the team has requested to interview Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen for the vacancy - and it’s a name that resonates in Baltimore.
Cullen spent five seasons with the Ravens, serving as their defensive line coach from 2016 to 2020. During that stretch, he helped shape a physical, aggressive front that was a cornerstone of Baltimore’s defensive identity. His coaching style emphasizes relentless pressure and disciplined gap control - traits that have defined some of the league’s most effective defensive fronts.
But the Ravens aren’t the only team eyeing Cullen. The Washington Commanders have also expressed interest in bringing him in as their defensive coordinator, making this a competitive hiring situation as multiple franchises look to solidify their defensive leadership heading into the offseason.
Cullen, now 58, has logged a long and varied coaching journey that began back in 1990 at UMass, where he coached running backs. From there, he transitioned to the defensive side of the ball and climbed the ranks through college football before breaking into the NFL in 2006 with the Detroit Lions as their defensive line coach.
Over the years, Cullen has built a reputation as a high-energy, detail-oriented coach with a knack for getting the most out of his linemen. His NFL résumé includes stops with the Jaguars, Browns, and Buccaneers, before his first stint in Baltimore.
In 2021, he was tapped by Jacksonville to serve as their defensive coordinator, but his tenure there lasted just one season. Since 2022, he’s been with the Chiefs, where his work with Kansas City’s defensive front has drawn praise for its toughness and technique.
For the Ravens, bringing Cullen back would mean reuniting with a coach who understands the team’s culture and expectations - and who’s already proven he can thrive in their system. With Baltimore’s defense continuing to be a hallmark of their success, the next coordinator hire is a pivotal one. Cullen’s name carries weight, and if he returns, he’ll be tasked with keeping the Ravens’ defensive standard as high as ever.