Ten new head coaches have been installed around the National Football League in the last month, which has led to a frenzy of rumors and reports of staff changes across 32 teams. In the midst of the activity was Joe Cullen, the Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach, who was interviewed by at least a couple of franchises for a potential job change. As it turns out, Cullen might be staying another year in K.C.
Cullen interviewed for coordinator jobs with both the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens. Dan Quinn ended up deciding to hire Daronte Jones as his right-hand man in the nation's capital. As for Baltimore, new head coach Jesse Minter went with Anthony Weaver as his DC.
The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach has watched other windows close, which seems to position him for a return in 2026.
For those wondering if Cullen might accept an enticing lateral move, even that door is now shut with the news that the Ravens are close to a deal with Lou Esposito to be their new defensive line coach. Esposito has coached the same position at the University of Michigan.
That's big news for the Chiefs. Cullen has been the team's d-line coach for the last four years after having served as the DC for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. Cullen has an even longer history with the Ravens, however, as he coached the team's defensive front from 2016-2020. If Cullen was looking for a change of scenery, Baltimore made a lot of sense as a destination.
Anything is still possible for Cullen and the Chiefs, but the fact that two teams respected him enough to interview him for a coordinator role says a lot about his reputation. As the Chiefs look to rebuild the line even more in 2026, after using two day two draft picks up front in 2025, Cullen's presence will be important for what should be a very young line around Chris Jones.