Tag: Joe Cullen

Seahawks interviewed Cowboys DL coach for defensive coordinator

According to a report by Jeremy Fowler at ESPN, the Seahawks interviewed Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde for their open defensive coordinator position.

According to a report by Jeremy Fowler at ESPN, the Seahawks interviewed Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde for their open defensive coordinator position.

Dallas has not fared well in the postseason the last few years, getting bounced early in the playoffs despite three straight 12-win seasons. One can hardly blame their defensive line for that, though. DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons and the rest have done their part for a Cowboys defense that had been led by Dan Quinn for the last few years – he is now head coach of the Commanders. Durde is also interviewing with Dallas to replace him.

The Seahawks seem to be leaning towards hiring a defensive line coach for this spot, as the only other reported interview so far has been with Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen.

In related news, Seattle’s previous defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt was recently hired by the Eagles to be their new defensive line coach.

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Is Michigan football closing in on a defensive coordinator from the NFL?

This would be a huge hire if it comes to pass! #GoBlue

The offensive staff for Michigan football under new head coach Sherrone Moore has mostly come together with Kirk Campbell promoted to offensive coordinator, Grant Newsome elevated to offensive line coach and Steve Casula reportedly being brought aboard as the new tight ends coach. But the defensive side of the ball remains something of a mystery.

As of yet, there have been no announcements of coaches retained or hired on defense, though defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive pass game coordinator Steve Clinkscale have both been on the road actively recruiting for the Wolverines. But the biggest need is whoever Michigan intends to hire to replace Jesse Minter at defensive coordinator.

First reported by The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb, Joe Cullen could be a target for the maize and blue to fill that post. That sentiment was echoed by NFL on CBS insider Jonathan Jones, who said the Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach is a candidate for the Michigan DC job, but he’s also being looked at by the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders.

Cullen has been a defensive coordinator multiple times throughout his career, including two stints at Richmond, at Indiana in 2004, and most recently in 2021 for Urban Meyer’s Jacksonville Jaguars. The most notable experience, however, is that Cullen was the defensive line coach for John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens from 2016-2020, where he worked under then-DC Wink Martindale — same as Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter, the Wolverines’ last two coordinators.

Given that he has experience in the same system, ideally, he’d be able to come to Ann Arbor and run it as Macdonald and Minter both did. He’s clearly being sought after by many powers that be in the NFL, so if Moore is able to secure him, it would be something of a coup.

Cullen does have experience in the area, as well, as he was the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2006-08 — albeit that was in the darkest days of that franchise under then-head coach Rod Marinelli.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones says DC Steve Spagnuolo should be up for an award this year

Kansas City #Chiefs DL Chris Jones told reporters that DC Steve Spagnuolo should be up for an award this year.

The Kansas City Chiefs are AFC champions for the second consecutive season and fourth time in the last five years.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones was a significant reason for the team’s success this year and during the championship run. During Sunday’s postgame press conference after the win over the Baltimore Ravens, he took some time to honor his teammates and defensive coaches for their work to help make the unit a success, campaigning for them to be awarded for their efforts.

“I still think Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) should be up for Assistant Coach of the Year,” Jones said. “I mean, what has [he] been able to do with this defense from last year to this year? And how he was able to overcome a lot of humps, how he was able to force a lot of guys to grow. You look at last year. We gave up a lot of big plays and came back this year.”

Spagnuolo was snubbed as a nominee for the Assistant Coach of the Year Award, presented annually by the Associated Press. This year’s nominees are Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions), Mike Macdonald (Baltimore Ravens), Todd Monken (Baltimore Ravens), Jim Schwartz (Cleveland Browns) and Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans). The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors award ceremony in Las Vegas during Super Bowl weekend.

“I’ll say right now L’Jarius Sneed had an All-Pro year, should have been All-Pro … 22 (Trent McDuffie) had an All-Pro year, and we can go on down the list,” Jones said. “Those guys set the standard on the back end. And we just continue helping with Joe Cullen on the front end.”

Sneed’s hit that forced Zay Flowers to fumble at the goal line was a game-changing moment in Sunday’s victory, while McDuffie silenced Odell Beckham Jr. for most of the game. Sneed and McDuffie both proved their case for more respect around the league.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo and DL Coach Joe Cullen on rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah

#Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo and DL Coach Joe Cullen talk Felix Anudike-Uzomah ahead of Kansas City’s week 18 tilt against the Chargers

The Kansas City Chiefs are locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture heading into their week 18 tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Because the Chiefs have nothing to play for, the coaching staff is using this week to give more opportunities to players who have not seen that much game action this season.

One of those players is rookie pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft this past Spring.

While speaking to the media on Thursday, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Dave Cullen expressed their confidence in Anudike-Uzomah ahead of this week’s game.

“I think he’s [Felix Anudike-Uzomah] developed well. He’s still very young,” Spagnuolo explained. “I’ve seen him mature and grow in meetings. It will be nice to see him get some plays this week, see where he’s at.”

Cullen echoed the same message, stating that Anudike-Uzomah’s continual development throughout the season will pay dividends.

“Felix [Anudike-Uzomah] got thrown into the fire early – he was getting about 20-25 snaps a game because we went into the first game without Chris [Jones] and Charles [Omenihu] was limited with the six games we didn’t have him,” Cullen said of the promising rookie. “It was an opportunity for him to show who he was, and he did a really good job, he was getting better. He’s doing a great job and he’s only going to get better.”

Anudike-Uzomah has had a quiet rookie campaign, but this week will be a monumental opportunity for the former Kansas State edge rusher to display his growth and development in live game action.

Chiefs DL Coach Joe Cullen shares strategy on stopping the ‘Brotherly Shove’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen shared his strategy to stop the #Eagles’ iconic “Brotherly Shove” play.

The exciting moments throughout the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles are highlighted forever. One of the most talked about plays that are still talked about this season is the Eagles’ “Tush Push” or “Brotherly Shove,” depending on who you ask regarding the name.

Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has seen impressive strides made in his unit this season led by All-Pro Chris Jones. The unit has faced off against Philadelphia’s signature short-yardage play in the past, like teams before them, was unsuccessful in stopping the conversion. Cullen shares his thoughts on stopping the play during Friday’s post-practice press conference.

“If anyone has any new ideas, let me know,” Cullen joked. “But no, that’s something we’ve really talked about after that game and coach Spags (Spanuolo) over the offseason and just being able to get a little bit lower, do a few things that maybe will help it and last year they jumped, and they got us to jump, and we got him in a third and one they jumped, and then we got the touchdown right after that.

“So it’s about stopping it with leverage and then people being able to get the quarterback because the extra push in the second push is really what gets you, but we’re gonna try to do everything we can to keep him out of those situations. Let’s get them third and along.”

Cullen has the same reaction as most defensive coaches in the league regarding the Eagles’ signature play. He did offer a possible solution that could be fruitful this Monday night in the much anticipated Super Bowl rematch.

Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen says LB Leo Chenal’s nickname is ‘The Beast’

#Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen says LB Leo Chenal’s nickname is ‘The Beast’ | from: @EdEastonJr

The defense of the Kansas City Chiefs has received well-deserved attention over the first three weeks of the season, stifling their opponents. A significant part of the success has been the growth of the young players in the unit that shined in crucial spots during last year’s postseason.

Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has worked tirelessly with his young players and singled out second-year player Leo Chenal. The former Wisconsin standout has played more formation this season and earned a good work ethic reputation and nickname, according to Cullen during his Thursday press conference.

“We call him ‘the beast’ for a reason,” Cullen explained. “No, coach Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) has done a tremendous job, getting opportunities for guys and certain packages when they show that, hey, they love football, and B, they’re going to do it as opposed to doing and Leo is doing a great job.

“He’s playing in the middle. It’s in the Buffalo package, playing the edge and our base package. And he’s playing a little end in certain situations. He’s doing a great job, doing a great job in the run game. He studies the game. And he’s powerful and doing a great job in terms of getting after the quarterback as well.”

Chenal has contributed well this season, with 14 tackles through three weeks and plenty of much-needed pursuit plays to assist teammates in coverage.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah on lessons learned from Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen

Kansas City #Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah spoke about lessons he has learned from defensive line coach Joe Cullen. | from: @EdEastonJr

The ongoing learning process for Kansas City Chiefs rookies stretches beyond the team’s training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri. The preseason is a great chance for new NFL players to find their way in the league, and the Chiefs intend on getting the most out of their exhibition schedule.

Chiefs defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah has more pressure on him than most rookies because of his draft status and hometown connection to Kansas City. Anudike-Uzomah was the Chiefs’ first-round pick out of Kansas State and started slowly in camp due to injuries.

He revealed the lessons he’s learned from defensive line coach Joe Cullen since rookie minicamp to today while speaking with reporters following Monday’s practice.

“He’s a very good coach; the bottom line is just being tough on me—obviously, you need to be tough on a rookie because everything’s not set in stone,” said Anudike-Uzomah. “Right when you walk on the field, so just being tough on me teach me the things how to become a good pass rusher how to play technique, right how to do things like people in NFL do and especially the years he had in the NFL so there’s a lot of teaching that he can bestow on me.”

Anudike-Uzomah secured a tackle in Saturday’s victory over the Cardinals. He’s continued to say that he’s focused on improving weekly and should see more action during the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns.

Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen: Felix Anudike-Uzomah ‘progressing every day’

Defensive line coach Joe Cullen told reporters that Felix Anudike-Uzomah is “progressing every day” at #Chiefs training camp.

The Kansas City Chiefs need as much help in the pass rush as they can get in 2023, and will rely on first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah to get after the quarterback early in his NFL career.

Though he was a bit raw coming out of Kansas State, Anudike-Uzomah certainly seems to have impressed defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who told the media about the rookie’s development after Wednesday’s practice.

“I tell you; he’s (Felix Anudike-Uzomah) really progressing every day,” Cullen said. “You know Felix is one of the younger guys in the draft, he’s 21, but he really – he hit 34 snaps the other night, he had some really good pressure, a couple hits on the quarterback, he’s playing the run better, he’s just going like that (upwards motion) every day.”

Judging from Cullen’s comments, it seems that Anudike-Uzomah’s progression is ahead of schedule heading into the Chiefs’ second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.

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Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen still talking to Chris Jones amid holdout

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has continued to speak to Chris Jones during the defensive tackle’s holdout. | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line has a few question marks following Sunday’s preseason opener loss to the New Orleans Saints. The lack of pressure from the first team in their time on the field led to unanswered points from the Saints in their opening drives.

Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen has dealt with an early personnel shuffle due to injuries, suspension, and Chris Jones’ holdout. The unit still features pass rusher George Karlaftis in his second season.

Still, the experience could be better on the line as they try to patch things up before Saturday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Cullen addressed the ongoing holdout of Jones and revealed he’s still in communication with the 29-year-old during Wednesday’s press conference.

“I’d say this, Chris (Jones), in my opinion, was as good as, if not the best, … defensive player in the league last year,” said Cullen. “I do stay in touch with Chris. Chris is working hard. We’ll welcome him with open arms when he gets back here.”

Jones was dominant last season, tallying 15.5 sacks during the regular season and earning All-Pro honors. Cullen is confident in his current group of players but understands the importance of having a talent like Jones in the lineup.

“I talk to him about him staying in shape,” Cullen said after being asked for details on the conversation. “Eventually, this thing will get done, and he’ll be back here at practice and leading us.”

Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen running defensive line drills at Georgia pro day

The #Chiefs have DL coach Joe Cullen running the defensive line drills at the Georgia Bulldogs pro day on Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a position coach representing the team at the University of Georgia pro day in Athens, Georgia. Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen is running the drills and on-field workouts for an extremely talented Bulldogs defensive line group. This is notable because Kansas City isn’t typically among teams to send position coaches out to pro days with regularity.

Among the defensive line participants on Wednesday are DT Jalen Carter and EDGE Nolan Smith Jr., both projected to be first-round picks in April’s draft. EDGE Robert Beal is another mid-to-late round pick with promise and Hawaii’s Kolby Wyatt is also among the defensive linemen working out.

Check out some video of Cullen and some of the players in action down below:

Smith had a formal meeting with the Chiefs at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Beal could be a sneaky-good late-round addition for Kansas City as well.

As for Carter, he’s had a bit of a tumultuous offseason. He was previously viewed as a top 5 pick, but some off-field issues have now muddied the waters. He didn’t help himself much at his pro day, coming in nine pounds heavier than he weighed at the combine and only doing position drills without any timed testing. It’s clear that the Chiefs are doing their homework here on a talented player, who could very well fall in April’s draft.

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