Andy Reid in fresh blow as Super Bowl winner makes feelings clear on key Chiefs cog switching to NFC

Jan 10, 2026 - 19:00

It’s been a rough few months for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 6-11 Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in head coach Andy Reid‘s 13-year tenure this season, while serious question marks hang over the team’s two biggest weapons.

Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 — Reid could lose members of his coaching staff as he comes off his first losing season in KC

Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in December while tight end Travis Kelce’s retirement plans remain up in the air.

To add to the chaos, the Chiefs’ coaching staff is currently in a state of flux amid firings and personnel interviewing for new positions.

Matt Nagy, who has served as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator since 2023, is no longer under contract and is interviewing for head-coaching openings.

On Wednesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Nagy already has interview with three teams: The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals.

KC has also lost assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham to the University of Michigan, and they fired wide receivers coach Connor Embree this week.

And now, a day after defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with the Titans about their vacant head-coach role, another of Reid’s assistants has interviewed for a new role.

Chiefs’ Joe Cullen interviews with Washington Commanders for vacant DC role

According to reports, Joe Cullen, the Chiefs’ defensive line coach, interviewed for the Washington Commanders vacant defensive coordinator position after the team fired Joe Whitt Jr. earlier this week.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is on the hunt for a new DC, and according to a report by NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Cullen is a leading candidate.

“The Commanders have interviewed Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen for their vacant defensive coordinator job, source said. He is a long-time D-line guru and was previously the Jaguars DC.”

Cullen, 58, entered the NFL as a defensive assistant in 2006 with the Detroit Lions.

Joe Cullen Chiefs Commanders — Cullen is highly thought of and reportedly wanted by the Washington Commanders

Steve Spagnuolo Chiefs — Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo could also leave for a vacant head coach position

George Karlaftis Chris Jones — George Karlaftis (right) and Chris Jones (left) have flourished under Cullen’s tutelage

He also was the defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens before joining Jacksonville as the Jaguars‘ defensive coordinator in 2021.

Cullen joined Spagnuolo and the Chiefs in 2022, helping the team win three Super Bowls while establishing himself as one of the league’s best defensive-front specialists.

Chris Jones shares shock at Cullen news

He’s responsible for coaching up the likes of George Karlaftis and Chris Jones, with Jones in particular flourishing under Cullen’s watch.

The All-Pro posted 26 combined sacks in his first two seasons under Cullen and led the team with seven sacks in 2025.

Jones, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s leading defensive tackles, shared his thoughts on Cullen speaking with Washington after the bombshell was dropped.

“Oh sh!+…….” Jones posted on X.

It was obvious that changes were coming after the Chiefs’ disastrous season.

While Reid is staying put, Kansas City clearly feels like cleaning house with their coaching staff in order to put themselves in a stronger position for 2026 and beyond.

Major changes are evidently already underway, with KC expected to bring in several new assistants and coaches over the coming weeks.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more