The legacy of the Kansas City Chiefs’ growth over the past few years, becoming perennial Super Bowl contenders, was a complete franchise effort beyond the field. Many coordinators, former coaches, and players have returned over the years in either a working capacity or to visit, maintaining the camaraderie forged on the gridiron.
Deland McCullough served as the Chiefs running backs coach from 2018 – 2020, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The former position coach for Kansas City spent two seasons as an active player in the NFL in the late 1990s, including a practice squad stint for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997 coached by Andy Reid.
McCullough recently returned to Kansas City for a visit to the Chiefs’ practice facility. He tweeted out photos with Travis Kelce, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Patrick Mahomes, who all appeared to be in attendance for Phase 2 of the offseason workout program.
“It’s all love in the Chiefs Kingdom!!! Had to holla at my guys while in town,” McCullough wrote on Twitter. “Thanks Coach Reid for letting me slide thru. Appreciate these dudes.”
It’s all love in the Chiefs Kingdom!!! Had to holla at my guys while in town. Thanks Coach Reid for letting me slide thru. Appreciate these dudes✊🏾☘️ pic.twitter.com/FP4DDsKwt4
— Deland McCullough (@coachdmc) May 9, 2023
McCullough became the associate head coach for the Indiana Hoosiers after departing Kansas City following Super Bowl LV. He has since moved onto his current role as the running backs coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Chiefs’ appreciation for their former assistant coach is evident and a reminder of the culture instilled within the organization, even for those who are no longer working for the team.