Las Vegas Raiders Hire Notre Dame RB Coach Deland McCullough to Strengthen Offensive Backfield
In a move that signals a strong commitment to improving their offensive game and maximizing the potential of their running back corps, the Las Vegas Raiders have hired Deland McCullough as their new running backs coach. McCullough, a seasoned coach with a reputation for developing elite talent, joins the Raiders after a successful tenure at the University of Notre Dame, where he served as the running backs coach. The move, confirmed by Matt Freeman of Irish Sports Daily, has fans and analysts alike excited about the potential for the Raiders’ offense, particularly in the running game.
McCullough brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with some of the most dynamic running backs in recent NFL history, including stars like Kareem Hunt, Tevin Coleman, and Kyren Williams. His ability to develop talent and get the best out of his players was on full display during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2018 to 2020, where he helped mold Hunt and Coleman into standout NFL running backs. Now, as he transitions to the Raiders, McCullough is expected to take on the challenge of elevating the team’s ground game and working with some of the top young talent in the league.
McCullough’s Track Record: Developing Elite Talent
Deland McCullough’s coaching career is marked by a consistent track record of success at various levels of football, particularly in his ability to develop running backs into standout players. His time with the Kansas City Chiefs is perhaps his most noteworthy, as he helped mold players like Kareem Hunt and Tevin Coleman into NFL stars.
Kareem Hunt, who became one of the most electrifying running backs in the NFL during his time with the Chiefs, was a direct product of McCullough’s coaching. Hunt, drafted in 2017, quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, leading the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie. McCullough played an integral role in Hunt’s development, helping the young back improve his vision, patience, and ability to make defenders miss. Under McCullough’s guidance, Hunt’s game matured, turning him into a dual-threat back capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air.
Similarly, Tevin Coleman, another player who flourished under McCullough’s tutelage, became a vital component of the Chiefs’ offense during his time in Kansas City. McCullough’s ability to emphasize Coleman’s speed, elusiveness, and vision allowed Coleman to become a home-run hitter out of the backfield. Coleman eventually became a key piece for the 49ers, showcasing his development from a solid role player into a productive, feature back in a competitive offense.
In addition to Hunt and Coleman, McCullough has been a major influence on the development of Kyren Williams, who played for Notre Dame before declaring for the NFL Draft. Williams, a highly regarded prospect, thrived under McCullough’s coaching, developing into one of the top running backs in college football. Williams displayed the patience, vision, and versatility that made him a valuable asset to the Raiders as he continued to impress scouts and analysts alike.
With McCullough’s reputation as one of the best running back coaches in the game, Raiders fans are understandably excited about the prospect of seeing his coaching influence take shape on their roster.
Why the Raiders Hired McCullough: A Step Toward Offensive Improvement
For the Las Vegas Raiders, hiring Deland McCullough represents a strategic move to strengthen one of the team’s most important positions: running back. While the Raiders have long had a dynamic ground game, the team’s recent struggles to reach the next level have often been attributed to inconsistent play in the running back room, among other factors.
The Raiders’ offensive scheme has featured a strong emphasis on the running game, with star running back Josh Jacobs emerging as one of the league’s top backs. However, in recent seasons, the team has faced difficulty in developing depth behind Jacobs and finding consistent contributors beyond their featured back. While Jacobs has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent offense, the Raiders’ ability to consistently move the ball on the ground has been hampered by a lack of depth and an inability to consistently execute a balanced attack.
McCullough’s expertise in running back development and his ability to identify and cultivate talent at the position will give the Raiders an opportunity to deepen their backfield and create a more dynamic offense. As the NFL continues to evolve toward a more pass-heavy league, the Raiders understand that having a reliable, versatile running back corps is crucial to keeping defenses honest and maintaining balance in their offensive game plan.
One of the immediate priorities for McCullough will be working closely with Josh Jacobs, who has emerged as one of the NFL’s top running backs over the past few seasons. Jacobs, who led the league in rushing yards in 2022, will undoubtedly benefit from McCullough’s expertise in improving his vision, decision-making, and ability to break tackles. McCullough’s focus on developing running backs into complete players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game will serve Jacobs well as he continues to grow into one of the top backs in the league.
Moreover, McCullough will be tasked with developing the team’s backup running backs and finding ways to improve the Raiders’ depth behind Jacobs. Depth has been an issue for the Raiders in recent seasons, and McCullough’s ability to turn unheralded players into key contributors could be a game-changer for the team’s overall success. The Raiders will need a strong rotation of backs to keep Jacobs fresh throughout the season and provide insurance in case of injury, and McCullough is more than capable of helping the team find that depth.
The Role of McCullough in the Raiders’ Offensive Scheme
As McCullough joins the Raiders, his role will go beyond just improving individual players. He will also play a significant part in the Raiders’ overall offensive scheme under head coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels, who took over as head coach in 2022, has made it clear that he intends to develop a balanced offense that can attack defenses through both the air and the ground.
McCullough’s ability to integrate running backs into the passing game will be a crucial part of this plan. Modern NFL offenses require running backs who are not only capable runners but also proficient receivers out of the backfield. McCullough’s experience coaching backs who excel as dual-threats will give McDaniels the flexibility to implement a variety of offensive schemes that keep defenses off balance.
During his time with the Chiefs, McCullough demonstrated a knack for developing running backs who were capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. Kareem Hunt, in particular, was a player who was utilized both as a traditional running back and as a weapon in the passing game. McCullough’s ability to teach backs how to run effective routes, catch passes out of the backfield, and read defenses will be an asset to the Raiders’ offense as they look to diversify their approach.
Furthermore, McCullough’s emphasis on running back vision and decision-making will allow the Raiders to run a more sophisticated and varied rushing attack. His coaching methods can help players like Jacobs develop better patience and awareness when reading blocks and finding holes, allowing the team to sustain long, productive drives and wear down opposing defenses.
What McCullough Brings to the Raiders’ Running Back Room
McCullough’s hiring is expected to have an immediate impact on the Raiders’ running back room. With a focus on both technical fundamentals and mental growth, McCullough will instill a sense of discipline and accountability in his players. His history of turning talented but raw running backs into finished products speaks volumes about his ability to bring out the best in his players, no matter their experience level.
One of the major questions surrounding the Raiders’ running back group heading into 2025 is how the team will manage its depth behind Josh Jacobs. Currently, the team has several young backs, including Zamir White, who showed flashes of promise during his rookie season. Under McCullough’s tutelage, White could emerge as a reliable backup option and potentially even push for a larger role in the offense.
Additionally, McCullough’s experience working with young talent will be crucial as the Raiders continue to develop their running back corps. As they look to build for the future, the team will be relying on McCullough’s expertise to nurture the next generation of running backs and prepare them to step into larger roles as needed.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Raiders’ Ground Game
With the hiring of Deland McCullough, the Las Vegas Raiders are making a clear commitment to improving their running game and maximizing the potential of their backfield. McCullough’s reputation for developing elite talent and his ability to integrate running backs into multiple facets of the offense will be invaluable as the Raiders look to build a more balanced and dynamic offense.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Raiders are well-positioned to make significant strides in their offensive attack. With McCullough leading the running back room, the team’s backfield should be primed for success, and fans can expect a more productive, diverse ground game that helps to take the pressure off quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the rest of the offense.
As McCullough begins his new chapter in Las Vegas, the Raiders are confident that his impact will be felt across the team, both in the short-term and for years to come. If he can continue to develop running backs as he has in the past, the Raiders will be in great shape as they look to contend in a competitive AFC West.
