The conversations inside Arrowhead Stadium are starting to sound familiar again.
As the Kansas City Chiefs continue reshaping their coaching staff following the return of Eric Bieniemy, the organization has quietly taken another step toward its championship roots — requesting permission to interview Deland McCullough for its running backs coach position.
The move, first reported by Adam Schefter, signals more than routine offseason housekeeping. It reflects a deliberate philosophical shift after a season that delivered the Chiefs’ first losing record in more than a decade.
🏆 A reunion rooted in winning memory
McCullough is no stranger to Kansas City.
He served as the Chiefs’ running backs coach from 2018 to 2020, joining the staff after Bieniemy was promoted to offensive coordinator. During that stretch, Kansas City’s backfield became one of the league’s most trusted units in pass protection and high-leverage moments.
In McCullough’s first season, the Chiefs jumped from 17th to 8th in rushing touchdowns, finishing with 16 scores on the ground, according to Pro Football Reference. More importantly, the running game delivered when it mattered most.
Players like Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams, and Jerick McKinnon became reliable postseason contributors — helping power the franchise to Super Bowl LIV, its first Lombardi Trophy in 50 years, and back-to-back AFC titles.
🧠 Bieniemy’s return changes the tone
Bieniemy’s offseason return has been more than symbolic.
In his first public remarks since rejoining the Chiefs, he emphasized discipline, detail, and accountability — a tone many felt had softened in recent seasons.
“We’ll be disciplined and detailed in how we handle our business,” Bieniemy said, stressing that a clear standard of performance would guide the offense moving forward.
Head coach Andy Reid echoed that message, noting Bieniemy’s expanded influence in game planning and in-game decision-making.
“EB is going to be very direct,” Reid said. “It’s a different voice and a different energy.”
League observers have noted the contrast. Kansas City’s offense, once defined by precision and situational dominance, showed inconsistency late last season. The renewed emphasis on structure suggests a deeper reset rather than a surface-level adjustment.
🔄 Why McCullough is back in focus
After leaving Kansas City following the 2020 season, McCullough returned to the college ranks, coaching at Indiana before taking on a prominent role at Notre Dame. He later re-entered the NFL in 2025 as running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he remains under contract.
Still, his name resonates in Kansas City.
Inside the organization, the Super Bowl LIV era remains the benchmark — not just for wins, but for preparation, accountability, and trust in situational football. McCullough was part of that core.
🧭 A direction, not a coincidence
The Chiefs must still navigate the interview process and league hiring rules before any move can be finalized. No decision has been made.
But the intent is becoming clear.
Kansas City isn’t chasing trends.
It isn’t reinventing itself.
Instead, the franchise appears to be reinforcing a foundation it already knows how to win with — surrounding Patrick Mahomes with voices who understand what championship standards actually look like inside the building.
Whether that philosophy extends beyond the coaching staff will become clearer as the offseason unfolds.
For now, the message is unmistakable:
The Chiefs believe the path forward may run straight through the lessons of their past. 🏈
