2 Reasons McCullough Isn't a Lock as Chiefs RB Coach

The Raiders may not approve Andy Reid's request to interview their running backs coach Deland McCullough.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs have submitted a formal request to interview Raiders running backs coach Deland McCullough, who previously held the same role with the Chiefs from 2018-2020. However, the Raiders may not approve the request as McCullough is still under contract, and the Raiders are waiting to hire their next head coach before making decisions on assistant coaches.

Why it matters

McCullough is considered one of the NFL's top running backs coaches, and his potential departure from the Raiders could impact the development of their promising young running back Ashton Jeanty. The Chiefs are looking to fill a key vacancy on their coaching staff, and McCullough's return would be a boost for their offense.

The details

The Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll after the season, but most of his assistant coaches remain under contract as the team awaits its next head coach hire. The Raiders may be reluctant to release McCullough to their division rival Chiefs, as teams generally don't like to help out heated competitors. Additionally, if the Raiders hire Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, they may want to give him the opportunity to keep McCullough on staff.

  • The Chiefs submitted a formal request to interview McCullough on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • The Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll on January 6, 2026, two days after their season-ending loss to the Chiefs.

The players

Deland McCullough

The Raiders' current running backs coach, who previously held the same role with the Chiefs from 2018-2020. McCullough is considered one of the NFL's top running backs coaches.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has submitted a formal request to interview McCullough for the Chiefs' vacant running backs coach position.

Klint Kubiak

The Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator, who is a candidate for the head coaching vacancies with both the Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals.

Ashton Jeanty

The Raiders' promising young running back, who was tutored by McCullough during the 2025 season.

Pete Carroll

The former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who was fired after the 2025 season.

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What’s next

The Raiders will need to approve the Chiefs' request to interview Deland McCullough, as he is still under contract with the Raiders. If the Raiders hire Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, they may want to keep McCullough on staff to work with their promising young running back Ashton Jeanty.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' pursuit of Deland McCullough as their new running backs coach faces obstacles, as the Raiders may be reluctant to release him to a division rival, especially if they hire a new head coach who wants to keep McCullough on staff. This situation highlights the challenges teams face in filling key coaching vacancies, particularly when dealing with division opponents.