Andy Reid and Chiefs could suffer major blow with loss of trusted coach ahead of major offseason shakeup

It’s an unfamiliar feeling in Kansas City.

After seven straight AFC Championship appearances, five Super Bowls, and three titles, the Chiefs are navigating unfamiliar territory—facing a season that ends without a playoff run.

Getty

It’s a strange and unfamiliar feeling for the franchise, which suddenly appears to be in disarray.

Patrick Mahomes will spend the offseason rehabbing from ACL and LCL surgery, leaving questions about his availability for the start of 2026.

Travis Kelce’s future remains uncertain, with retirement still a possibility. Meanwhile, another roster overhaul, something GM Brett Veach has handled skillfully in the past, could be on the horizon.

On top of all that, the team announced a move across state lines, leaving Arrowhead Stadium behind starting in 2031.

The only thing that is certain for the franchise at the moment is that head coach Andy Reid will be coming back.

“Legendary coach Andy Reid isn’t getting fired, and people who know Reid well say he has given no indications he’ll walk away at age 67,” NFL.com’s Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

“For the first time in years, he’ll finally have a full offseason to recharge.”

In a tough season for the Chiefs, the news is bittersweet for the 67-year-old. He’ll miss the postseason for only the second time since taking the job in 2013, the first being in 2014.

On the bright side, he’ll have time to recharge, step away, and gear up for a massive 2026 offseason—potentially including the search for a new offensive coordinator.

Getty

Getty

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy opted against signing an extension this offseason and is now entering free agency. He’s expected to be a leading candidate for head coaching openings and could land a new role soon.

If Nagy passes on a head coaching opportunity, he could emerge as a top candidate for a play-calling role elsewhere, as Reid is the primary play-caller in Kansas City.

Nagy is free to pursue a head coaching role regardless of his contract status for next season. With his current deal expiring, he also has the option to take another offensive coordinator position where he would handle play-calling duties.

If Nagy opts to leave, that would leave Reid searching for a new offensive coordinator, with several of his former assistants, such as Eric Bieniemy and possibly Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka, among the leading candidates.

Nagy brings prior head coaching experience, having led the Chicago Bears from 2018 to 2021. In four seasons, he went 34-31, reached the playoffs twice, but was winless in both postseason appearances.

Nagy has Reid’s vote of confidence, with the head coach expressing his support for his assistant this week.

“I think he deserves to be a head football coach in this league,” Reid told the media.

No matter how things unfold in the coming months, the Kansas City Chiefs who take the field in 2026 won’t be the same team. That chapter is closed, and this part of the dynasty and iteration has come to an end.

Is a rebooted 2.0 dynasty on the horizon? Only time will tell.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more