For over a decade, Andy Reid has been the driving force behind one of the NFL’s most successful dynasties. Alongside superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Reid led the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, three championships, and an incredible nine straight AFC West titles. However, after the Chiefs’ disappointing 2025 season, doubts are starting to creep in about Reid’s ability to maintain this high standard.
The Chiefs’ 6-11 record last season marked the first time since 2014 that they missed the playoffs—a shocking fall for a team that had become synonymous with consistency, dominance, and playoff success. Though injuries, including a season-ending ACL tear for Mahomes, played a part, critics argue that there are deeper, more systemic issues at play.
The Shift in Perception: Andy Reid’s Coaching Legacy Under Scrutiny
The scrutiny surrounding Reid intensified when NBC Sports analyst Patrick Daugherty released his latest coaching rankings, placing Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams ahead of Reid. This was a striking shift, considering Reid’s long-standing reputation as one of the league’s best coaches. Daugherty acknowledged Reid’s greatness but raised the question: Is he still the most dynamic coach in the league?
“Andy Reid is one of the greatest coaches in the history of football,” Daugherty wrote. “This was true even before he found Patrick Mahomes. If you want to say he’s still the best current coach, you could easily win the debate. Now, is he still the most dynamic? That would be harder to argue.”
The conversation has shifted from celebrating Reid’s accomplishments to questioning whether his approach still has the same edge. As the NFL evolves, so too must its coaches. The performance of Reid and his team in 2025 seemed to highlight that perhaps the Chiefs’ playbook, long lauded for its creativity, may have lost some of its magic.
Offensive Struggles and a Lack of Innovation
The Chiefs’ offense, once regarded as the gold standard of innovation and explosiveness, took a noticeable step backward in 2025. Despite impressive individual numbers from Mahomes, including 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, the Chiefs finished 20th in total offense, averaging just 320.6 yards per game. This lack of offensive production was alarming given Reid’s reputation for creating dynamic, high-powered offenses.
For Daugherty, the issue wasn’t just about execution—it was about the Chiefs’ offensive identity. “For as much as 2025 was about bad luck, unfortunate injuries, and sometimes both… it was the lack of dynamism and adjustments that stood out more,” Daugherty remarked.
The question raised was simple, yet cutting: What is the thesis of this passing game? How has watching Patrick Mahomes become boring? Daugherty pointed out the lack of innovation, especially in the running game, and noted that Mahomes’ brilliance appeared to be stifled by the offense’s predictability.
This criticism underscored a growing concern: While other NFL teams were evolving, the Chiefs’ offense seemed to stagnate, failing to match the speed and creativity of their competitors. In contrast, coaches like Sean McVay, who led the Rams to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship appearance, have demonstrated an ability to adapt and innovate, something Reid and the Chiefs may need to emulate if they want to remain at the top.
Reid’s Legacy and the Future of the Chiefs
Despite the criticism, it’s impossible to ignore Andy Reid’s legacy. Since taking over in 2013, he has turned the Chiefs from a struggling franchise into one of the NFL’s most successful teams. Reid laid the foundation for Kansas City’s sustained success, a culture that Mahomes has embraced. In a 2023 interview, Mahomes credited Reid’s approach as the key to their success, saying, “It’s the culture we’ve built here… This is how we’re going to work, this is how we’re going to prepare, and this is how we’re going to win.”
Now, as Reid enters his 13th season with the Chiefs, he faces an entirely new challenge: evolving once again to meet the demands of the modern NFL. The league is changing rapidly, and even the most established coaches must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.
Adjustments for the Future: Can Reid Evolve?
In response to the struggles of 2025, the Chiefs have already made significant changes. One of the most notable moves was replacing offensive coordinator Matt Nagy with Eric Bieniemy, hoping the latter’s experience and fresh perspective can reignite the offense.
However, whether these adjustments will be enough to return the Chiefs to their former dominance remains uncertain. Reid has always prided himself on his adaptability, but his ability to do so at this stage in his career is being tested more than ever.
For the first time in years, the Chiefs are no longer the unquestioned standard of excellence in the NFL. While the team’s overall talent remains formidable, Reid’s ability to adapt and evolve with the league’s changing landscape is now under the microscope. If he can prove that his coaching brilliance is still relevant in the current NFL, the Chiefs could continue their dynasty. If not, they may risk becoming another example of a great team that couldn’t keep up with the times.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Reid and the Chiefs
The 2025 season was a wake-up call for the Chiefs, revealing cracks in what was once a seemingly invincible foundation. While the Chiefs still have a talented roster led by Mahomes, the questions surrounding Andy Reid’s ability to continue to lead them to success are becoming more pressing.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Reid to see if he can adapt and return the Chiefs to the championship hunt. If he can, he will cement his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time. If not, the Chiefs’ dynasty may begin to fade, and a new era of NFL dominance could emerge. The next few seasons will be pivotal for both Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs.
