Jags DC Joe Cullen expected to interview with Ravens to replace Don Martindale

While the Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 season went terribly under Urban Meyer, and it couldn’t end soon enough, it wasn’t all bad, and there were parts of Meyer’s staff that fans were vocal about keeping, like defensive coordinator Joe Cullen.

Cullen, who was a first-time coordinator in 2021, had some highlight moments, though the Jags’ defense ultimately ended up finishing 20th overall and 23rd against the rush. When reflecting on the season, his group was able to hold the Buffalo Bills to six points, which gave the Jags their second win of the season. They also locked down quarterback Carson Wentz in the season finale, holding the Indianapolis Colts’ offense to just 11 points and giving the team their third win of the season.

Such performances by the Jags’ defense certainly didn’t go unnoticed outside of Jacksonville, and now Cullen’s old team, the Baltimore Ravens, will be interviewing him for their defensive coordinator vacancy. The team recently parted ways with longtime assistant Don Martindale, who Cullen was under for many years, and it appears replacing him with a familiar face could be on the table.

According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Baltimore plans to interview him on Thursday.

Cullen was with the Ravens’ defensive line coach from 2016-20 before he got the call from Meyer to join the Jags’ staff. He Brings 15 years of NFL coaching experience to the table, and with the Jags set to hire a new coach, it appears that the new coach could have someone in mind to replace Cullen. If that’s the case, a return to Baltimore would be a great way to bounce back for the two-time Jags assistant.