In a move that signals their immediate intentions to revitalise their struggling offense, the Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly sought permission to interview rival Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Deland McCullough for the same position.
Chiefs Target Familiar Face in Coaching Search
According to an exclusive ESPN report, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has formally requested an interview with McCullough, who previously worked under Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in Kansas City from 2018 to 2020. This potential reunion comes as the Chiefs attempt to rebuild their offensive staff following a disappointing 6-11 season plagued by injuries.
McCullough's Impressive Pedigree
McCullough brings significant experience developing top running back talent. During his tenure with the Raiders, he worked directly with sixth-overall pick Ashton Jeanty. Perhaps more intriguingly, McCullough previously coached Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love during his college career.
Love represents a particularly interesting connection, as he's projected as a top-10 selection in April's NFL Draft after a spectacular 2025 season where he rushed for 1,372 yards, added 280 receiving yards, scored 21 touchdowns, and became a Heisman Trophy finalist. The Chiefs hold the No. 9 overall pick, putting them in prime position to potentially reunite coach and player.
Bieniemy Returns as Offensive Coordinator
In another significant development indicating the Chiefs' commitment to overhauling their run game, Andy Reid is bringing back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy famously left Kansas City in 2023 to become assistant head coach and offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders, where he gained more play-calling responsibility.
After Washington failed to retain him following a disappointing season under new coach Dan Quinn, Bieniemy spent the subsequent year at UCLA as associate head coach and offensive coordinator before reviving his NFL career as the Chicago Bears' running backs coach last season.
Bieniemy's Recent Success in Chicago
During his single season with the Bears, Bieniemy played an instrumental role in developing one of the league's most effective rushing attacks. Chicago averaged more than 126 rushing yards per game, ranking fifth-best in the entire NFL, while helping first-year head coach Ben Johnson achieve an impressive 11-6 record and playoff appearance.
Chiefs Offense in Transition
Bieniemy and potentially McCullough would inherit a Chiefs offense coming off one of its worst statistical performances in recent memory. Kansas City averaged just 320.6 total yards per game, placing them in the bottom third of the league, with their rushing offense proving particularly ineffective.
The offensive challenges extend beyond coaching changes. Longtime tight end Travis Kelce is expected to announce his retirement decision in coming weeks, while the Chiefs' top two running backs, Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, are both unrestricted free agents. Additionally, wide receivers Marquise Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are all poised to enter free agency when the market opens in March.
Quarterback Uncertainty Adds Complexity
Further complicating the offensive rebuild is uncertainty at the quarterback position. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues rehabilitation from surgery to repair two torn knee ligaments, working to return in time for the season opener. The only other quarterback currently on the roster is journeyman Chris Oladokun, creating additional urgency for the coaching staff to establish a reliable running game.
With Reid maintaining play-calling responsibilities but welcoming back Bieniemy to coordinate the offense, and with potential additions like McCullough to coach running backs, the Chiefs appear committed to constructing a substantially different offensive approach for the 2026 season.
