Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Andy Reid, Chiefs Dealt Concerning News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 6:33 PM ET

Andy Reid's 13th year with the Kansas City Chiefs did not go as many people would expected, finishing the 2025 NFL season with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. This also marks the first time the Chiefs missed the postseason since Patrick Mahomes tookover the starting quarterback role in 2018.

Since the season ended for Kansas City, Reid has seen some major changes to the coaching staff. On offense, the Chiefs parted ways with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, replacing him with their former OC, Eric Bieniemy. They also parted ways with wide receivers coach Connor Embree and running backs coaches Todd Pinkston and Mark Deleone (assistant).

On the defensive side of the ball, Reid has already seen two coaches depart, both heading to the college level. Assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham left for Michigan, while defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio departed for UNLV. And Reid could be losing a third defensive coach as well.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy ReidRon Chenoy-Imagn Images

Joe Cullen has been a defensive line coach in the NFL for the better part of the last 20 years. After stints with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens, he joined Reid's staff in 2022, helping the Chiefs win two Super Bowls in three appearances.

But on Friday, it was revealed that the Ravens have requested to interview Cullen for their vacant defensive coordinator position, potentially setting up a return to Baltimore. The move comes after the Ravens hired Jesse Minter as their head coach, replacing John Harbaugh following 19 seasons with the team.

In the NFL, teams can deny interview requests only if the job would be a lateral move. For example, if the Ravens wanted to interview Cullen for their defensive line coach opening, the Chiefs could block it. However, because a defensive coordinator role would be considered a promotion, Kansas City cannot deny Baltimore’s request, which was made to follow league protocol.

"Ravens requested to interview Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen — who previously spent five years coaching in Baltimore — for their defensive coordinator job," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X.

Ravens requested to interview Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen — who previously spent five years coaching in Baltimore — for their defensive coordinator job.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 23, 2026

This would not be the first interview Cullen has had for a defensive coordinator role. He previously interviewed for the Washington Commanders ’ opening, with the possibility of joining Dan Quinn’s staff.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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