The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into an uncertain offseason after a disappointing year that included injuries, missed expectations, and major questions about the future of their franchise stars. Still, amid concerns surrounding quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, Kansas City appears to have received one piece of stability for 2026. According to a new report, longtime head coach Andy Reid is not planning to walk away anytime soon.
Andy Reid Expected to Continue Coaching Chiefs in 2026
Reid has spent nearly his entire adult life coaching football and has been an NFL head coach for more than 25 years, first with the Philadelphia Eagles and now with the Chiefs. Since arriving in Kansas City, Reid has led the franchise to three Super Bowl titles and cemented his place as one of the most successful coaches of his generation.
That legacy led to speculation this season that Reid, who turns 67 next year, could consider stepping away. Those rumors only grew after Mahomes suffered a season-ending knee injury, Kelce’s future became uncertain, and the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
However, NFL Network reported Saturday that people close to Reid say he has given no indication that retirement is on the table.
“People who know Reid well say he has given no indications he’ll walk away at age 67,” the outlet reported. “For the first time in years, he’ll finally have a full offseason to recharge. As one person close to him said, ‘Coach Reid ain’t going out like this.’”
While Reid’s return appears likely, there are still questions around the rest of the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is in the final year of his contract, and changes could still be coming as Kansas City resets for 2026.
Patrick Mahomes Rehab and Travis Kelce Retirement Timeline Loom
Reid’s expected return provides some stability, but the Chiefs are still facing major questions on the field. Mahomes began rehabilitation this week after undergoing surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. The injury occurred during the Dec. 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder said the procedure went well and suggested a recovery timeline of around nine months, speaking via ESPN.
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.”
Reid added that Mahomes avoided major damage to other ligaments and is expected to attack his rehab process aggressively. Mahomes also sought a second opinion from Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys’ head team physician.
“He’ll attack it, just like he does everything else,” Reid said via ESPN. “There have been some pretty good quarterbacks who have had the same injury, and they’ve done pretty well after they came back.”
Mahomes later addressed fans directly in a post on X.
“Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it hurts,” Mahomes wrote. “But all we can do now is trust in God and attack every single day. … I will be back stronger than ever.”
At the same time, Kelce is once again facing a retirement decision. The veteran tight end returned for another season after considering retirement last year, but he is now in the final year of his contract and has acknowledged that a decision is coming soon.
“Seeing my brother go through it, and seeing how the league works, the season re-starts in April, and I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity,” Kelce said last month. “I’d like to make that decision before free agency opens.”
Despite the speculation, Kelce has remained focused on finishing the season.
“I’m focused on trying to win football games,” he said this week via Pro Football Talk.
The Chiefs will host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, as they close out a season full of questions — but with at least one important answer beginning to come into focus.
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