Michigan football is still in need of a defensive coordinator, and recent reports highlight a new candidate in consideration. Head coach Sherrone Moore has been active in assembling his coaching staff, announcing Kirk Campbell as the offensive coordinator and making new hires for the special teams and tight ends coaching positions.
While key staff members like Steve Clinkscale and Mike Elston are yet to confirm their status with the team, the focus remains on filling the crucial role of defensive coordinator. According to information from Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, there is emerging interest and communication between Moore and Joe Cullen, the current defensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Reports suggest “mutual interest” between Moore and Cullen, who brings both NFL coaching experience and past coordinator roles, notably with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 season. Despite the challenging season with the Jaguars, Cullen found himself in Kansas City. With a background in college football, including a five-year tenure with the Ravens coaching staff, he has worked alongside coaches familiar with Michigan’s defensive schemes.
Moore’s emphasis on maintaining the existing defensive system aligns with the potential hiring of Cullen, who has a reputation as an accomplished defensive line coach. In the event of Elston’s departure, Cullen could seamlessly fill the role, although the preference is for both coaches to remain on the staff.
Cullen previously served as the defensive coordinator for Indiana in 2004 and has had coaching stints with various NFL teams, including the Lions, Browns, Bucs, Jaguars, and Chiefs. The timing of the potential hire remains uncertain, considering the impending Super Bowl, but there is optimism that it could be finalized after the event.
Despite the approaching spring transfer portal window, Michigan football has not experienced significant departures yet, and players still have a couple of weeks to make decisions about their future with the program.
