As the Kansas City Chiefs continue reshaping their coaching staff behind the scenes, one name has quietly resurfaced — and it’s one Chiefs fans know well.
Deland McCullough has emerged as a candidate to interview for the Chiefs’ running backs coach position, offering something Andy Reid values deeply at this stage of the franchise’s evolution: continuity.
🏆 A Super Bowl chapter in Kansas City
McCullough previously held the same role in Kansas City from 2018 to 2020 — a golden stretch that included a Super Bowl LIV victory and back-to-back AFC championships.
During that span, the Chiefs leaned on a versatile, rotating backfield that featured Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon and Darrel Williams.
Those units were trusted in pass protection, situational football, and playoff moments — a reflection of how closely McCullough’s coaching philosophy aligned with Andy Reid’s offensive priorities.
🎓 From Arrowhead to the college spotlight
After the 2020 season, McCullough returned to the college ranks, first at Indiana before taking on a prominent role at Notre Dame Fighting Irish as running backs coach and associate head coach.
There, he helped oversee one of the nation’s most productive ground attacks and played a central role in the rise of Jeremiyah Love — now viewed as one of college football’s most explosive offensive players.
McCullough was deeply involved in Love’s recruitment and development, helping turn him into a prospect who has already begun appearing in early mock drafts.
👀 A coincidence worth noting — but not overreading
Draft analyst Mel Kiper has recently projected Love to the Chiefs at No. 9 overall, sparking speculation among fans.
League sources, however, caution against tying coaching interviews to draft strategy. There is no indication Kansas City’s interest in McCullough is connected to any specific prospect — though the overlap naturally invites curiosity.
🏈 Back in the NFL mix
Most recently, McCullough returned to the professional level as the running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, reestablishing his presence in the league and keeping his résumé current.
Now, as the Chiefs evaluate their options, McCullough checks several key boxes:
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Familiarity with the Chiefs’ system
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Proven playoff and Super Bowl experience
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A strong track record in player development
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Comfort working under Andy Reid
🔄 Why this matters
Running backs coaches rarely dominate headlines — but in Kansas City, the position has always carried outsized importance, especially in pass protection and situational execution.
For a Chiefs team looking to stabilize, refine, and quietly reset after a turbulent season, revisiting a trusted voice from its championship past may be less about nostalgia — and more about reliability.
No hire has been made.
No decision finalized.
But if Deland McCullough does return to Arrowhead, it would signal something clear:
Sometimes, the smartest step forward… is bringing back someone who already knows the way. 🏈
