Kansas City, Missouri – January 2026
“If they still want me around.”
As soon as the Kansas City Chiefs were knocked out of playoff contention — ending a postseason streak that had stood since 2014 — speculation about Andy Reid’s future reached a fever pitch.
The noise was silenced on Monday, December 29.
During a Zoom session with reporters, Reid addressed the rumors the only way he knows how: with understated humor masking absolute certainty.
“I’d say I’m planning on being back,” Reid said with a grin. “If they’ll have me, I’ll come back. You never know how this league works, but that’s my plan.”
The tone was casual.
The intent was decisive.
Andy Reid isn’t stepping aside — he’s recommitting.
Locked In Through 2029
At 67 years old, Reid remains firmly in command after signing a five-year, $100 million contract extension that ties him to Kansas City through the 2029 season.
This isn’t a farewell tour.
It’s a renewed mission.
A Legacy Within Reach
Reid is no longer coaching just to win the next game — he’s chasing history.
With 307 career victories, he sits fourth on the NFL’s all-time wins list. Returning for the 2026 season puts multiple milestones within striking distance:
- George Halas (324 wins): Reid needs only 18 more wins to move into third place.
- Bill Belichick (333 wins): With two or three strong seasons, Reid could climb to second all-time.
Very few coaches ever reach this territory. Reid is closing in.
Resetting a Stagnant System
Reid’s return is about accountability, not nostalgia.
Around the league, executives expect the Chiefs to undergo their most significant offensive and roster overhaul since Patrick Mahomes became the starter. The word most often used by insiders: urgent.
Mahomes on the Mend
Patrick Mahomes underwent successful surgery in mid-December to repair both his ACL and LCL. Despite the severity, the expected nine-month recovery window has him targeting a return by September 2026.
Reid, unsurprisingly, has been encouraged by his quarterback’s approach.
“He’s attacking rehab the same way he attacks a two-minute drill,” Reid said.
Tough Decisions Ahead
Kansas City is projected to be more than $40 million over the 2026 salary cap, forcing Reid and general manager Brett Veach into difficult, unsentimental choices.
Underperforming veterans are expected to be moved as the front office reshapes the roster around a healthy Mahomes.
Draft Assets Return
For the first time in years, the Chiefs will own a top-15 draft pick. League sources suggest Reid is prioritizing speed and explosiveness — a clear signal that Kansas City intends to move away from the conservative, short-yardage approach that bogged down the offense throughout 2025.
Final Word: Reload, Not Retreat
From the outside, rivals may see cracks. Inside the building, the message is very different.
The dynasty isn’t fading — it’s recalibrating.
As one AFC executive put it:
“A motivated Andy Reid with a healthy Mahomes and a high draft pick is about as dangerous as it gets.”
The 2025 season officially ends Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
But inside Arrowhead, the future has already begun.
🚨 The revenge tour is underway.
The lights may dim on this season —
but the reload has already started.
