The Las Vegas Raiders are once again facing an offseason of upheaval-something that’s become all too familiar in recent years. Despite the firing of head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek made it clear that every assistant coach currently remains under contract.
But let’s be real: with a new head coach on the way, a significant shake-up is almost inevitable. And the first domino has already fallen.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is officially out, taking the same role with the Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike McCarthy. It’s a big move, and it likely won’t be the last. The Raiders' coaching staff hasn’t exactly been a hotbed of elite development lately, but there are still a few names worth keeping around-guys like defensive line coach Rob Leonard, tight ends coach Luke Steckel, and especially running backs coach Deland McCullough.
Here’s the problem: McCullough might be next out the door-and to a division rival, no less.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs have requested to interview McCullough for their running backs coach position. And if you’re the Raiders, that’s a move you can’t afford to let happen without a fight. Losing McCullough wouldn’t just be a staff shake-up-it could be a strategic setback with ripple effects across the AFC West.
Let’s start with what McCullough brought to the table in 2025. He played a key role in developing rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who managed to put together a solid first season despite a chaotic offensive environment.
That’s no small feat. McCullough built a quick rapport with Jeanty and helped him find footing in a system that lacked consistency.
In a year where little went right for the Raiders offensively, McCullough was one of the few bright spots.
Now imagine that same coach heading to Kansas City-a team that already has the quarterback, the system, and the championship pedigree. The Chiefs’ run game was underwhelming this past season, but adding McCullough could be the spark they need to get it back on track. That’s a nightmare scenario for Las Vegas: subtracting a key developer from your staff while bolstering the arsenal of your biggest rival.
But it doesn’t stop there.
McCullough’s potential move to Kansas City could also be a signal of what’s to come in the NFL Draft. The Chiefs have been connected to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love-a dynamic, game-breaking talent.
And guess who coached Love for two years in South Bend? Yep, Deland McCullough.
If the Chiefs land both McCullough and Love, it’s a recipe for immediate impact. Love would enter the league with a coach he already knows and trusts, in a system designed by Andy Reid and run by Patrick Mahomes. That’s a dangerous combination, and one the Raiders would have to deal with twice a year.
There’s also a familiarity factor to consider. McCullough previously worked under Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy during his earlier stint in Kansas City. That history could make the reunion even more appealing for McCullough-and harder for the Raiders to prevent.
So, what does this all mean for Las Vegas?
It means they’re at a crossroads. Losing McCullough would force them to find a new running backs coach, possibly disrupt Jeanty’s development, and potentially give Kansas City a major boost both on the field and in the draft room. It’s a three-pronged problem: staff, scheme, and scouting.
In a division where the margin for error is razor-thin, this isn’t just a coaching change-it’s a strategic chess move. And if the Raiders aren’t careful, they might find themselves a few steps behind before the 2026 season even kicks off.