The Chiefs are reportedly losing a valued voice this offseason, as assistant defensive line coach Terry Bradden is joining the Nebraska Cornhuskers coaching staff.

He’ll serve as the head defensive line coach after spending eight seasons with Kansas City. A respected leader and experienced mind, Bradden’s loss is a tough one for Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo, and the Kingdom to swallow.

There’s nothing wrong with Bradden taking on a new opportunity. He certainly deserves it but his departure will be felt on the defense.

The impact Bradden has made during his time with the franchise is obvious. Kansas City’s defensive line is routinely among the best in the NFL and he helped Chris Jones become the most dominant interior player in the league.

He started with the defensive line but spent the 2019 season with defensive backs, coaching former star Tyrann Mathieu to an All-Pro selection. With experience as a defensive quality control coach as well, Bradden’s extensive experience at every level of the defense provided a major boost.

Spagnuolo is still the NFL’s top defensive coordinator and there’s little reason to be overly concerned, though Bradden’s track record speaks for itself. He’ll now join Matt Rhule’s staff in Lincoln with the likely goal of becoming a defensive coordinator at some point.

For now, Bradden remains focused on the Chiefs and a potential three-peat. Kansas City’s defense has struggled since CB Jaylen Watson went down with an injury, yet Sunday’s performance against the Chargers was a major step in the right direction.

It’s not yet clear who will replace Bradden. Given his vast experience with the organization and impressive contributions, this news is sad for Chiefs fans. However, Bradden deserves the chance to continue to grow and become the best coach he can be.

Unfortunately, that path no longer involves Kansas City.