Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones got into a shoving and shouting match with his own position coach on the sideline during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium, even as his team cruised toward another lopsided win.
The Chiefs led 9-3 in the second quarter when Jones sat down on the Kansas City bench. Defensive line coach Joe Cullen approached and put a hand on Jones’ shoulder, a routine coaching gesture. Jones immediately shoved Cullen’s hand away and the two erupted into a screaming match in front of teammates.
CBS broadcast analyst Trent Green, calling the game, said he believes Jones and Cullen “have a great relationship.” Green speculated that Jones “didn’t think Chris liked the fact that he put his hand on his shoulder,” adding that Jones should have “asked him politely to take it off” instead of reacting physically.
What sparked the confrontation remains unclear. Cullen has coached Jones for five seasons, since 2022, a stretch in which Jones earned first-team All-Pro honors three times, made the Pro Bowl every year, and won two Super Bowls.
Jones appeared unbothered afterward, walking off the field alongside tight end Travis Kelce once the final whistle blew.
The Chiefs beat the winless Chargers 22-6, extending their dominant run this season despite LA’s offense managing little against Kansas City’s defense. The Chiefs’ offense controlled the game outside of two turnovers.
Kansas City now heads into a tougher test, a road matchup Sunday night against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The Chiefs appear positioned for another deep playoff push, having shaken off the narrow, one-score losses that marked parts of their 2025 season — provided players and coaches can keep it together on the sideline.
