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Chiefs Bring Back Familiar Face to Defensive Coaching Staff
Terry Bradden returns to Kansas City after one season at Nebraska
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The Kansas City Chiefs have hired Terry Bradden as their new assistant defensive line coach, reuniting him with the team's defensive line coach Joe Cullen. Bradden previously served on the Chiefs' coaching staff for eight seasons from 2017 to 2024 before leaving to become the defensive line coach at Nebraska in 2025. Now, he's returning to his former role in Kansas City.
Why it matters
The Chiefs are looking to maintain continuity on their coaching staff as they aim to build on their recent success, which includes three Super Bowl appearances. Bradden's familiarity with the team and his previous work with star defensive tackle Chris Jones should help provide stability on the defensive line.
The details
Bradden, a former college quarterback at Howard, has been coaching in the NFL since 2017 when Andy Reid first brought him to Kansas City as a defensive assistant. He spent four seasons as the assistant defensive line coach before leaving for Nebraska last year. However, after the Huskers struggled defensively in 2025, Bradden is now rejoining the Chiefs' staff.
- Bradden served on the Chiefs' coaching staff from 2017 to 2024.
- He left the Chiefs to become the defensive line coach at Nebraska in 2025.
- Bradden is now returning to the Chiefs as the assistant defensive line coach in 2026.
The players
Andy Reid
The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has continued to build his coaching staff for the 2026 season.
Terry Bradden
A former college quarterback who is rejoining the Chiefs' coaching staff as the assistant defensive line coach after spending one season at Nebraska.
Joe Cullen
The defensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be working with Bradden again.
Chris Jones
A star defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs who thrived under Bradden's coaching from 2021 to 2024.
Matt Rhule
The former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who fired Bradden in December 2025 after the team struggled defensively.
What they’re saying
“I've got great guys here. I mean, very few guys are as good as Joe Bleymaier. I feel very confident in him, in that offensive room. And Spags and his crew are here. Andy Heck, these guys are all guys that are top notch.”
— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs (fourstateshomepage.com)
“There's good continuity, there's good teamwork that goes on. I know everybody can function well together. That becomes important.”
— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs (fourstateshomepage.com)
What’s next
The Chiefs will look to build on their recent success with a familiar face back on the defensive coaching staff. Bradden's return should provide stability and continuity as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Chiefs' decision to bring back Terry Bradden as the assistant defensive line coach highlights their commitment to maintaining a strong coaching staff and continuity within the organization. This move should benefit the team's defensive line, particularly star tackle Chris Jones, as they aim to compete for another Super Bowl championship.
