Athletic’s Chiefs beat writer: Michigan zeroing in on Joe Cullen for DC
Per The Athletic’s Chiefs beat writer Nate Taylor on today’s Athletic Football Show (at 24:07 in the podcast), U of M is hoping to hire Chiefs D-line coach Joe Cullen for defensive coordinator as early as today. Interesting that an NFL beat writer would single out Michigan despite other reports indicating NFL interest from the Seahawks.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/731Mqk8NlB0wEOVP2IMtKY?si=mRavRqxVQCKXyyf8ol93MA&t=1447
February 7th, 2024 at 1:42 PM ^
As a naked miler, I have no problem with this hire.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:47 PM ^
Everybody nudes.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:42 PM ^
I see Cullen’s name and think of Wendy’s and the Lions. Others say this is a home run hire. CONFLICTED
February 7th, 2024 at 1:55 PM ^
We are all sinners. Repent and move forward. Dont let your past define you.
Cullen is ultra intense as a coach and he has learned from his past mistakes hopefully.
Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to find our way on the right path. Lose all pride and surrender to the Cross of Christ is my only suggestion. I do not know if Cullen has done this, but I sure Hope so.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:15 PM ^
Older SI article about Cullen making changes in his life... For his sake alone, regardless of any potential affiliation with Michigan, I hope things are as SI presents them. https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/10/joe-cullen-baltimore-ravens-coach-dui-arrest-detroit-lions-alcoholism-recovery-naked-wendys-comeback
February 7th, 2024 at 3:56 PM ^
I can only hope he is the right coach at the right time. Aside from the coaching, I admire anyone who can address the disease of addiction and remain sober for 18 years. He's a far better man, husband, father and coach as a result of facing his problem and dealing with it.
Y'all know he was hired to be Urban Meyers DC in Jacksonville. Not sure whether this speaks to his judgement and competence or his ability to survive a train wreck.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:07 PM ^
Not since Marques Slocum has there been so many UM amd Lion references.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:15 PM ^
IYKYK...
February 7th, 2024 at 2:27 PM ^
Dude has been sober for almost 2 decades. If a person isn't allowed to change for the better we're all a lost cause and may as well give up on life now as we bathe in public mockery.
His incidents from forever ago will be the very last thought or concern I have regarding the hire if it's him.
February 7th, 2024 at 3:37 PM ^
People love to talk about people’s issues and laugh at them it’s how things are until that glass house situation arises.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:32 PM ^
That was like 20 years ago and he’s been sober ever since.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:34 PM ^
I mean, raise your hand if you've never ordered late night drive through completely nude. He without sin and all that...
February 7th, 2024 at 2:48 PM ^
Exactly this. When the woman was caught in adultery that is what Jesus said and he was likely writing their sins in the sand to prove a point. Many people who are mad about this potential hire because of his past are the same as the religious leaders back in the day and even the religious fanatics today that have a set of rules that they pretend to live up to and point out someone else every time they feel someome doesn’t follow their rule. Perverse distortion of the Truth. You can have love and Truth at the same time. Weve been programmed to seek out anger and offense.
February 7th, 2024 at 3:16 PM ^
This 'Jesus' you speak of... Can he coach D-line? Or basketball, perhaps?
February 7th, 2024 at 4:06 PM ^
Jesus Chrysler drives a Dodge.
And the Virgin Mary's in a Travelodge.
February 7th, 2024 at 4:16 PM ^
You tryin' to tell me Jesus Christ couldn't hit a curve ball?
February 7th, 2024 at 5:08 PM ^
Maybe Jobu can help with that?
February 7th, 2024 at 3:18 PM ^
The great thing about Door Dash and contactless delivery is that you can really have your nocturnal culinary nudity with none of the indecent exposure.
February 7th, 2024 at 3:45 PM ^
Just make sure the Dasher has driven off and that there are no neighbors around.
I mean, I guess you could theoretically throw on some underwear before you open the door, but who wants to bother with all that?
February 7th, 2024 at 2:49 PM ^
That's your problem, man
February 7th, 2024 at 6:30 PM ^
What are your thoughts on Texas coach, Steve Sarkisian? Sark may not have had the drunk embarrassment of Cullen, but he was a drunk as well. Sark cleaned up his life, was given another chance and is riding a wave of love in Texas. If you are saying it's an X's & O's thing with Cullen, or he does not connect well with perspective student's, that's one thing but if his banishment is because of his alcoholism, which he cleaned up years ago, then that is a pretty high standard for anyone.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:44 PM ^
Well we do need a good D-line coach now. An NFL guy should be able to handle the job.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:34 PM ^
Cullen at DC, try and get Ryan Osborn back as DL coach, keep Clink, find a linebacker coach somewhere.
oh, and figure out what the deal is with Hart
February 7th, 2024 at 3:17 PM ^
Sounded like Clink is probably gone?
This is where “let the dust settle” really matters. Suppose for a moment that Moore wasn’t confident in Elston or Clink to be DC, but Cullen is a guy many believe to be ready to design and call a defense. Cullen is interested; it becomes clear that Moore is going somewhere outside the current staff for DC.
It’s not unreasonable, in this hypothetical scenario, to think that Elston and/or Clink aren’t opposed to being at Michigan but are interested in growing their careers. Both, we know, have been position coaches for quite a long time without moving up. If they stay here they keep doing the same thing, which may be fine, but doesn’t show much in the way of potential for growth—if you’re passed over when continuity is the key issue this year, Michigan isn’t going to tab you next time, either. So if the DC option is closed, how else do you grow your career? Well, there is now someone in the NFL who would like to hire you.
The timing seems weird, but what if it isn’t? Cullen is, after all, about to coach in the Super Bowl. If Elston and Clink waited to see how the staff shook out, and now it’s basically clear it’s Cullen or someone like him, and that’s when they go… that’s not the scenario most are upset about.
I have no inside info and I’m not saying it’s fact. And this is all rumor anyway—things could go crazy south still. But this is why there’s value in waiting to see how things play out. Because this scenario fits the facts and murmurs as much as the “Harbaugh is getting personal” and “Warde is refusing to pay anybody” scenarios and has at least as much factual backing.
February 7th, 2024 at 3:48 PM ^
I haven’t seen anything saying Clink is gone, just that Harbaugh wants him.
I’ve also heard rumblings that Clink doesn’t want playcalling duties. Which would suggest he’s content as a position coach with a co-DC title if true.
February 7th, 2024 at 4:07 PM ^
I have criticized your "let the dust settle" posts before, but with Elston this is exactly where I'm at.
If Sherrone was set on a DL focused DC (word was his 1st choice was another such, Clint Hurtt) then trying to keep Elston without promising him anything more than the DL role makes sense. If he accepts, Hey cool! If he doesn't, it actually offers some other possibilities. Like promoting someone to the role who will understand it's Cullen's specialty. Like Roney perhaps?
But with Clink, this is more complicated. He's already "Co-DC" whatever that entails. A negotiation with him might be more along the lines of "I want a DC with play-calling experience, but you will be Co-DC with a bump in both responsibilities & pay - and when Cullen inevitably jumps back to the NFL in '25 or '26, you will be the guy!"
If this all shakes out like that - given our 1st 2-3 Ravens affiliated choices (plus Hurtt) all took nfl DC jobs - that will have to pass for a win right now!
February 7th, 2024 at 3:41 PM ^
Osborn is the DL coach for the ravens why would he leave for the same position?
February 7th, 2024 at 3:50 PM ^
Uh, No he’s not. Osborn is the DC and LB coach for the University of Charlotte. Prior to that he was a defensive assistant (basically the NFL equivalent of an analyst) for the Ravens, not their DL coach.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:45 PM ^
Seems to have done a good job with Mike Danna
February 7th, 2024 at 6:03 PM ^
Danna is my most underrated former UM guy playing in the NFL. He was a rotation player in years 1 - 3 & is now a full-time starter. On a perrenial super bowl team.
February 7th, 2024 at 6:57 PM ^
I agree, though Danna was a fantastic player before he arrived at M.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:47 PM ^
Seems like this would be a nice get if they can woo him away from MacDonald and the Seahawks. Former Ravens assistant, current D-Line coach, would potentially plug right in for Minter/Elston.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:48 PM ^
Question. Why would he take the DC role here as opposed the Seahawks?
February 7th, 2024 at 1:52 PM ^
Um, because Michigan is badass of course.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:53 PM ^
Because Macdonald wants to call plays his way. Cullen would have the entire defense at Michigan to himself, which I’m sure would be more desirable.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:55 PM ^
So he wants to be Cullen the shots
February 7th, 2024 at 1:54 PM ^
Sam Webb has been all over this. Mike MacDonald will be calling the defense in Seattle. There's not a timetable on when MM would relinquish playcalling duties.
My words: Cullen may not want to be a clipboard holder while MM runs the defense.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:56 PM ^
Zeroing in means maybe. Interested in means maybe. So, adding it up. Both may want him. Neither may want him. One may want him. So, in one of those situations we get him.
Unless he declines then...
February 7th, 2024 at 2:25 PM ^
I hope the answer to this is because Michigan is offering more money 💰
Because I no longer trust any other answer, unfortunately...😒
But if you still are pure of heart enough to seek a less cynical answer - MM says he will be calling the plays on D at Seattle. So the Michigan job is actually a step higher in responsibility than Seattle's 🤷♂️
February 7th, 2024 at 2:33 PM ^
The weather of course
February 7th, 2024 at 3:45 PM ^
McDonald already stated he will call defensive plays, if your looking to be an actual coordinator and not just in title come to Michigan with an NFL defense already in place as long as no one transfers Moore is offense minded so I’m sure whoever the DC is will be running their side of the ball.
February 7th, 2024 at 4:34 PM ^
Because he loves the idea of recruiting and sorting through NIL deals...
I mean there has to be someone out there that would prefer this over actual, you know, time off.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:50 PM ^
What ever it takes to keep everyone, especially on Defense. Even if Cullen is a one year rental before he darts back to the NFL .2024 is crucial to get Moore headed in the right direction.
February 7th, 2024 at 1:54 PM ^
That gets old. It's inevitable if you want NFL coaches I guess but it's a ton of turmoil every year
February 7th, 2024 at 1:58 PM ^
Losing successful assistants to the pros really isn't that bad of a thing. Certainly nothing like losing your head coach.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:04 PM ^
It gets old when it's your HC. Personally, I want Assistant coaches to be successful and be promoted to NFL coordinator jobs or HC jobs.
2024 depends on the defense, if we keep this group we will have a very successful season. If Cullen comes in and gets guys like Grant and Graham to stay, I think it trickles( back ?)to the rest of the guys.
February 7th, 2024 at 4:43 PM ^
Too soon to predict the success of next season given all of the turnover on O. One of the most important factors that led to success these last 3 years was degree of 'complimentary' football UM exhibited. Offense, Defense and Special Teams all complimented each other like few teams I've ever seen. The long, methodical drives by the O led to a well rested D...the turnovers (buffs) gave the O more opportunities and often a short field, etc. So, until the QB position has clarity, and the Oline has a chance to work together and we have an idea who/whats in the WRs room, and we have an idea how the new staff gels and manages games, etc. there is a wide range of outcomes for the season. This will be one of the most unpredictable seasons in memory.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:36 PM ^
There's a ton of turnover at coordinator positions on good teams. UM at least tends to have guys going to better spots or the pros, which is something you can sell versus, say, PSU being in their 8th OC under Franklin because he keeps firing them.
February 7th, 2024 at 2:37 PM ^
It's not just nfl coaches - college HCs are bailing on their jobs to go be nfl coordinators!
College football is a mess, and there's no answer for it. The ncaa dragged its feet on compensation for athletes until they lost every case, and now have largely thrown up their hands on enforcement- as long as you aren't buying players cheeseburgers!
I told anyone who'd listen that the last 4-team, non-unlimited transfer, pre-NIL players cfp would essentially be the last "college" football championship we'll see.
Unless & until the college powers that be get this mess straightened out...
February 7th, 2024 at 6:10 PM ^
It's cool that we won the last real "college" football championship.
Michigan won it's first college football championship in 1901, and won its most recent football championship this year. Michigan has been relevant in college football at the top level longer than any other program.