Chiefs Shake Up Coaching Staff After Frustrating Season
The Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time addressing their problems once the season ended. Missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 forced the franchise to confront issues they could no longer ignore. Head coach Andy Reid made it clear that significant changes were coming after a year that felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable for a team accustomed to January football.
Disappointing Finish Sparks Immediate Action
Patrick Mahomes' injury certainly mattered, but it was not the entire story. The offense struggled to function consistently throughout the season, and the results showed clearly in the standings. A 6-11 finish, combined with six straight losses to close the season and no postseason appearance, pushed Reid into decisive action. The first major step involved reshaping his offensive coaching staff.
According to reports from The Kansas City Star columnist Sam McDowell, Reid moved quickly at the position coach level. The team fired running backs coach Todd Pinkston and wide receivers coach Connor Embree. Additionally, offensive line coach Louie Addazio chose to depart for a position at UNLV, while Alex Whittingham joined the Michigan staff.
McDowell noted that more changes could follow once the coaching carousel settles, but these moves represent the initial phase of the offensive reset.
Performance Issues Made Changes Inevitable
The coaching changes were not surprising when viewed through the lens of performance. Kansas City's offense finished a disappointing 20th in the league, averaging just over 320 yards per game. While Mahomes still helped produce strong efficiency metrics in EPA per rush, the running game struggled significantly.
The Chiefs ranked 25th in rushing yards and tied for 18th in rushing touchdowns. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both ranked near the bottom of the league in explosive run rate, highlighting the ground game's limitations.
Todd Pinkston's exit was particularly notable because he joined the staff in 2023 and was part of a Super Bowl-winning run. However, the lack of offensive improvement made the decision unavoidable. Connor Embree's departure followed a similar pattern. After seven years with the franchise in various roles, his time coaching wide receivers did not solve persistent issues. Drops continued to plague the team in key moments, despite slight improvement the previous year.
Mahomes Voices Support for Reid's Leadership
Now, attention shifts to an even bigger question regarding offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. His contract is nearing its end, and he has interviewed for multiple head coaching positions across the league. Patrick Mahomes shared what matters most to him as the Chiefs look ahead to potential changes.
"For me, I just want someone that loves football, that cares about football and wants to give everything that they can to win," Mahomes said on Thursday. "Someone who can hold people accountable and bring new ideas every single day. I think that's what we have to continue to do if you want to continue to be great in this league."
Mahomes also expressed strong confidence in Andy Reid's ability to handle any transition smoothly. "I know Coach Reid, if Coach Nagy is able to get another job - a head coaching job - he'll have a good plan of who he wants to bring in," the quarterback added.
More Changes Could Be Coming
With eight NFL teams currently searching for head coaches and Nagy involved in several interviews, additional change feels likely. Names such as Kliff Kingsbury have already surfaced as possible options for the offensive coordinator position if Nagy departs.
The Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads after their rare high-draft pick forces tough offseason decisions. The team must also consider the future with tight end Travis Kelce's retirement still looming as a possibility. Kansas City's leadership appears determined to return to championship form through strategic staff adjustments and renewed offensive focus.
