Andy Reid Vows to Overhaul Chiefs After Historic Collapse
The 2025 NFL season was supposed to be another chapter in the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. Instead, it ended as a historical anomaly that has left the franchise searching for answers. For the first time since 2014, the Chiefs have been at home watching the playoffs. Their 6-11 record marks their first losing season since 2012, a stark reality check for a team accustomed to playing into February.
Head Coach Andy Reid, however, is not looking for sympathy. He is looking for solutions.
Reid addressed the media on Monday with a tone that balanced frustration with a fierce determination to right the ship. The message was clear. The status quo is no longer acceptable at One Arrowhead Drive.
Reid Promises Comprehensive Changes
Reid did not mince words when evaluating the team’s performance. He acknowledged the failure and immediately pivoted to his plan for the offseason.
“I’m fired up to get into this offseason and get going,” Reid said. “We didn’t do very well this past year and that hasn’t been our M.O. there. I’m going to fix the problem, the problems that we had in all phases. This isn’t just an offense, all phases.”
That promise of a comprehensive review suggests that no stone will be left unturned. While the offense struggled mightily, finishing 21st in the league in points per game, Reid insisted that the issues were systemic. The upcoming months will likely see significant turnover, both on the roster and potentially within the support staff. Reid noted that change can be healthy for an organization that has remained largely static during its years of dominance.
A Shakeup on the Coaching Staff
The changes have already begun. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has parted ways with the franchise following a season where the unit sputtered to find its rhythm. In a move that has sparked intrigue across the league, former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has returned to Kansas City to reclaim his old role.
Bieniemy was a key architect of the Chiefs’ most explosive offensive seasons, and his return signals a desire to recapture the aggression and creativity that defined the early Patrick Mahomes era. The hope is that his familiarity with Reid’s system, combined with a fresh perspective after his time away, can reignite a dormant scoring attack.
The Quarterback Question
The biggest hurdle for the Chiefs in 2026 will be the health of their franchise icon. Patrick Mahomes endured the most difficult season of his professional career in 2025. Statistically, it was a regression. He posted career lows in both passer rating (89.6) and completion percentage (62.7 percent) since taking over as the full-time starter in 2018.
The struggles culminated in a devastating blow in Week 15 when Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL. The injury added a physical toll to an already emotionally taxing year. However, reports indicate that Mahomes is optimistic about his rehabilitation timeline. The quarterback is eyeing a return for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, a goal that will require a grueling offseason of physical therapy.
Roster Uncertainty and the Salary Cap
Reid’s vow to fix the roster will be complicated by a difficult financial landscape. The Chiefs currently have the most payroll commitments in the NFL and are sitting over the salary cap. This lack of flexibility will make it challenging to retain key contributors who are scheduled to hit free agency.
The list of potential departures is significant. It includes wide receiver Hollywood Brown, running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, and key defensive contributors like Bryan Cook, Jaylen Watson, Charles Omenihu and Leo Chenal.
Perhaps the most emotional storyline of the offseason revolves around tight end Travis Kelce. The four-time All-Pro is coming off a season where he tallied just 76 receptions, his lowest total since 2015. With his contract status up in the air and retirement rumors constantly swirling, the Chiefs may be facing a future without one of the greatest players in franchise history.
A Defensive Bright Spot
If there was a silver lining to the disaster of 2025, it was the performance of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Despite the team’s losing record, the unit remained elite. They finished sixth in opponent points allowed and 10th in total yards surrendered.
Individual standouts continued to produce. Chris Jones led the team with seven sacks, while linebacker Nick Bolton racked up 154 combined tackles. Linebacker Drue Tranquill and defensive back Chamarri Conner also turned in productive seasons, providing a solid foundation for Reid to build upon. However, Reid’s comments suggest that even the defense will be scrutinized as he looks to instill a renewed sense of discipline and execution across the board.
The Path Forward via the Draft
With limited cap space, the 2026 NFL Draft will be critical for Reid and General Manager Brett Veach. The silver lining of a 6-11 record is improved draft positioning. The Chiefs hold the No. 9 overall pick, a rare opportunity for the franchise to add a blue-chip talent. They also possess the 40th and 74th picks, giving them ammunition to infuse the roster with young, affordable talent.
Reid enters his 14th season in Kansas City facing perhaps his greatest challenge yet. He has built a dynasty, but now he must prove he can rebuild it on the fly. The league moves fast, and the Chiefs have fallen behind. However, if history is any indication, betting against Andy Reid when he is “fired up” is a risky proposition.
