Kansas City Chiefs Pursue Familiar Coaching Talent in Offseason Restructuring
The Kansas City Chiefs are strategically embracing familiarity as they overhaul their coaching staff this offseason. Following the return of Eric Bieniemy to the organization, the franchise now appears focused on reinstating another key figure who once contributed to their offensive consistency and balance.
Chiefs Request Interview with Former Assistant Deland McCullough
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chiefs have formally requested to interview Las Vegas Raiders running back coach Deland McCullough for their vacant running back coach position. This development highlights Kansas City's intent to tap into coaching talent with existing knowledge of their system.
McCullough brings significant prior experience with the Chiefs organization, having served on their coaching staff from 2018 to 2020. During this productive period, he worked directly under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and played a crucial role in developing a rushing attack that quietly ranked sixth in yards per attempt during the 2018 NFL season.
Why Deland McCullough Represents an Ideal Fit for Kansas City's Offensive Vision
For a Chiefs team that experienced inconsistent ground production throughout last season, this potential hiring represents promising news. McCullough has cultivated an impressive reputation as both a teacher and developer of running back talent throughout his coaching career.
His professional journey includes:
- Playing experience in both the CFL and NFL as a running back
- Returning to Indiana University in 2021 as associate head coach and running backs coach
- Joining Notre Dame in 2022 where he spent three seasons guiding running backs
- Serving one year as associate head coach at Notre Dame before rejoining the NFL with the Raiders in 2025
McCullough's Connections to Elite Talent and System Familiarity
One of McCullough's most valuable assets is his established relationship with emerging football talent. He maintains a close training connection with Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love, a Heisman Trophy finalist widely projected as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
This connection could prove particularly valuable for Kansas City, as Love is frequently mentioned as a potential Chiefs target in mock drafts, especially considering the team holds a first-round selection. The timing of this potential move aligns well with the Raiders' own coaching changes and Kansas City's clear need for offensive rejuvenation.
McCullough offers multiple advantages for the Chiefs' restructuring efforts:
- Existing familiarity with the Chiefs' offensive system and terminology
- Established credibility and working relationship with Eric Bieniemy
- Fresh perspectives gained from both collegiate and professional coaching experiences
- Proven track record in developing running back talent
For an organization aiming to restore offensive balance without completely rebuilding their approach, this potential reunion addresses multiple strategic needs simultaneously. The combination of system knowledge, coaching relationships, and talent development expertise makes McCullough an intriguing candidate as Kansas City reshapes their coaching staff for the upcoming season.
