Deland McCullough Did the Reaching Out in His Return to Bloomington

Written by Matt Smith

Former Indiana running backs coach Deland McCullough is returning to Indiana after a four year stint away from the team. McCullough left IU for USC in 2017. He then became the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2018-20. 

McCullough was the one who reached out to Indiana head coach Tom Allen. “I immediately texted Tom (after the job opened). I was sitting down getting the game plan ready and had sent Tom a text. McCullough said in a press conference. “All the details made perfect sense...everything fit for me.”

McCullough will return as the running backs coach as well as the associate head coach for the team under head coach Tom Allen.

“He has won a Super Bowl, worked with a Hall of Fame coach and helped develop some of the most dynamic players and offenses in football. I cannot wait to bring his winning mindset to our program,” Allen said in a statement. 

During his time at IU from 2011-16, McCullough coached Tevin Coleman, who became the 18th player in FBS history to rush for 2,000 yards. Jordan Howard also played under McCullough. Both Howard and Coleman are now playing in the NFL.

“I want to bring those things that I’ve learned and been a part of to IU, to bring them to the next level,” McCullough said. 

The return is very surprising due to the fact that the McCullough return comes a few days after the Chiefs lost in the Super Bowl.

However, McCullough is coming here to help Allen lead IU to a title.

“The opportunity to return to IU in this role is very special to me and my family for a host of reasons,” McCullough said in the release. “ I believe that Indiana University is primed to not only CHASE, but to capture championships in football, and I can’t wait to contribute.”

According to McCullough, he went to the NFL to become a better coach and now wants to bring all of the things that he learned to the collegiate level.

McCullough’s son, Dasan, is a four star recruit who is committed to Ohio State University for 2022. Ohio State plays Indiana every year, so there is now a family rivalry.

“I’m beyond happy for my dad and this opportunity,” Dasan said in an interview. “Going to feel good beating him for 3-4 years.” 

McCullough’s family truly enjoyed living in Bloomington during his first tenure, and wanted to bring his family back to the culture that coach Allen has created. 

McCullough is taking on a bigger role compared to his first stint with the team as associate head coach, which was a big attraction to come back to IU. According to McCullough he had three offers throughout his tenure with the chiefs, but they were only as a running backs coach. 

“It was an amazing attraction,” McCullough said. “The opportunity to come back as an associate head coach at IU specifically was very strong to me because I know Tom and the administration would support me and allow me to have a bigger impact on the whole team.” 

McCullough will begin his second tenure with the team when the spring season gets underway in a couple of weeks.