Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones was left stunned on Friday after discovering that a key member of the coaching staff could be departing the franchise.
Chiefs Face Potential Coaching Exodus
According to an ESPN report, Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their vacant defensive coordinator position. The news prompted an immediate and visceral reaction from star player Chris Jones, who took to social media platform X to retweet the report from insider Adam Schefter alongside a succinct, shocked comment: 'Oh s***'.
Cullen is no stranger to a coordinator role, having previously held the defensive coordinator position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He joined head coach Andy Reid's setup in Kansas City in 2022 and has been an integral part of the team's success, contributing to two Super Bowl victories during his tenure at Arrowhead Stadium.
Wider Overhaul at Arrowhead Stadium
This potential departure is part of a significant expected overhaul for the Chiefs this offseason, affecting both playing and coaching personnel. The shake-up has already begun, with wide receivers coach Connor Embree losing his job earlier this week. Reports indicated that the players under his charge had not responded well to his coaching methods.
The situation with Cullen appears markedly different, with his value clearly recognised by the players, as evidenced by Jones's strong reaction. However, the Chiefs' coaching brain trust remains under threat from other teams. Highly-rated offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is considered a leading contender for the head coach role at the Tennessee Titans, who have also requested permission to interview Kansas City's defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.
This period of transition follows a difficult regular season for the Chiefs, who finished with a disastrous 6-11 record. The campaign was marred by a serious injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL, putting his participation at the start of the 2026 season in doubt.
