Deland McCullough is familiar name in the world of football. Whether it’s his time as a running back in both the NFL and CFL, or his Super Bowl-winning role as a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. But there’s much more to his story than just his football achievements. Perhaps the most significant chapter of his life is when he reunited with his biological parents after more than four decades of separation. Let’s take a closer look at personal life and uncover this aspect of the Notre Dame coach.

Who is Deland McCullough? Who are there in his family?

Born as Jon Kenneth Briggs on December 1, 1972, Deland McCullough got separated from his biological family as a newborn. His biological mother, Carol Denise Briggs, was unmarried at that time and had to make the difficult decision to leave him. Adopted as a baby by Adele Comer and A.C. McCullough, she raised Deland as a single mother. His adoptive father, who was a popular local radio host, left when he was two years old. Growing up, Deland didn’t know anything about the identity of his biological parents.

Deland attended Campbell Memorial High School in Youngstown, Ohio. His performance as a running back earned him a scholarship to play college football at Miami University in Ohio. He set numerous records during his time at Miami from 1992 to 1995, which stood for years. As a finalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, he consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards in three seasons. Deland’s remarkable achievements led to his induction into the Miami University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

Speaking of college football, the sport runs in the McCullough family! Deland and his wife, Darnell, are proud parents of four sons: Deland II, Dasan, Daeh, and Diem. With three of their sons pursuing college football careers, they have followed in their father’s footsteps.

His eldest son, Deland II, has shared his moments with his dad on his Instagram, highlighting his support. But this just doesn’t stop there, in 2017, after years of searching, Deland was reunited with his biological father, Sherman Smith who is a legendary NFL coach, adding another remarkable chapter to the McCullough family legacy.

Deland McCullough’s coaching career and achievements

After college, Deland McCullough played in the NFL and CFL, and although his playing career wasn’t long, it gave him valuable experience that would later influence his coaching style. He spent time with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Chicago Enforcers before eventually making the transition to coaching.

Deland’s coaching career began at Indiana University in 2011, where he worked as the running backs coach until 2016. It was there that he started to make a name for himself as a top coach, and his success led to a big opportunity with the Kansas City Chiefs. As running backs coach for the Chiefs, McCullough helped develop one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the NFL, and in 2020, he got to celebrate the ultimate achievement—a Super Bowl win with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.

After that, McCullough returned to Indiana University for a second stint, taking on the role of Associate Head Coach and Running Backs Coach in 2021. His work there made him an even more sought-after coach, and in 2022, he made the move to Notre Dame. Now, he’s helping lead one of the top college football programs in the country.

What is Deland McCullough’s contract and salary

Deland McCullough is the third-highest-paid running backs coach in college football. As of USA Today’s 2024 coaching salary database, his salary is reported to be $725,000. At Indiana in 2021, he earned $515,000 annually as the associate head coach and running backs coach. Before that, from 2011 to 2016, his salary ranged between $150,000 and $256,000.

Deland’s story is one of dedication, both to his family and to the sport he loves. From playing to coaching, he’s shown what it means to work hard and make a lasting impact. Whether celebrating a Super Bowl victory or helping the next generation of players reach their potential, McCullough’s influence on the game is undeniable.