Total Pro Sports
Andy Reid plans to return as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026, ending retirement rumors that were going on for the past few seasons. And his decision, especially after the team really faced a tough season, gave a lot of clarity.
The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They were eliminated mathematically in Week 15 after a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Reid blamed himself for an earlier must-win game and admitted he made mistakes.
The situation got even more worse when Patrick Mahomes went down with a serious knee injury later in the season.
Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL. He already underwent surgery and now faces a long recovery. Despite that, Reid has no plans to walk away. Sources told NFL Network that the veteran coach wants another shot to lead the team back.
“Coach Reid ain’t going out like this,” a source close to Reid told NFL Network reporters Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
Reid has not shared any public statement from his side. Still, league insiders expect him on the sideline next season.
Kansas City is now focused on recovery and making roster decisions. Mahomes is giving his best to return early in the 2026 season, but doctors have not set a clear timeline yet. Chiefs vice president of sports medicine Rick Burkholder shared details about the recovery process.
***“***Every player is different, every sport is different, every position is different,” Burkholder said. “[Mahomes] is so in tune to what he does, he does it a little quicker. Ballpark on this is nine months, but it could be a month or two more, a month or two less.”
Although Reid is planning to stay, the coaching staff may look a bit different. NFL Network reported that offensive coordinator Matt Nagy could leave. Nagy chose not to sign an extension and will enter free agency.
“One situation to watch: Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy chose not to sign an extension in the offseason and is set to become a free agent,” Pelissero and Rapoport said. “Nagy will be a top head coaching candidate and could well land a job. If he doesn’t, Nagy could become a hot candidate for a play-calling job elsewhere. That would mean Reid needs a new OC, with several of his former assistants – including Eric Bieniemy and perhaps Giants interim HC Mike Kafka – among potential candidates.”.
The Chiefs head into the offseason with questions but also direction. Reid’s return gives the franchise a steady hand. The team now looks to heal, reset, and chase wins again.
