Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Chiefs Coach Makes Decision Amid Multiple Firings

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 6:49 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of what is shaping up to be a significant overhaul in their coach ranks. It does not seem like head coach Andy Reid is going anywhere, but with the way things are moving, it appears that the Chiefs’ coaching staff is going to have a much different structure for the 2026 season.

It was reported on Wednesday that the team had decided to fire wide receivers coach Connor Embree after six years with the team. Assistant defensive line coach Kyle Wittingham also left the team to join his dad, Kyle Wittingham, on the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff. Reports also emerged about the Chiefs parting ways with defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Reid is now bracing for more changes in his coaching staff. On Friday, it was reported that defensive line coach Joe Cullen has taken a step toward leaving Kansas City. The 58-year-old, who has been with the Chiefs since 2022, has reportedly decided to make a move amid all the uncertainty in Kansas City's coaching ranks.

According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Cullen has emerged as a candidate for the defensive coordinator job opening with the Washington Commanders. In fact, Cullen reportedly decided to accept and has already completed an interview with the Commanders' front office.

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.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 9, 2026

The Commanders fired now-former DC Joe Whitt Jr. on Tuesday (along with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury), and they have since been searching for his successor. They are acting swiftly and have already taken a significant step towards potentially taking Cullen away from the Chiefs.

It is important to note that Kansas City is in no position to block this potential move. This would be considered a potential promotion for Cullen, which means that the Chiefs, per NFL rules, must give him permission to interview for the DC opening with the Commanders.

Washington has multiple candidates lined up besides Cullen, and there is no guarantee he will land the job. However, given this recent development, there is a significant chance that the Chiefs will lose another coach less than a week after their season ended.

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

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