A Former Chiefs’ Pro Bowler Shares the Secret to Andy Reid’s Success in Kansas City: ‘That’s Why So Many People Like Him a Lot’
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is a future Hall of Famer. After building up a respected name as the head man with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reid took over the reins in Kansas City. You wonder why so many NFL players speak so highly of the Super Bowl-winning coach. Former Pro Bowler Jamaal Charles revealed the secret to Reid’s success in Kansas City.
Jamaal Charles says Andy Reid is a player’s coach
Jamaal Charles was one of the most talented running backs in Kansas City Chiefs’ franchise history. He spent four seasons under Andy Reid in Kansas City and had a blast.
Charles recently shared why he and his teammates loved playing for the head coach.
“Coach Reid, basically, he’s a player’s coach,” said Charles per Sports Illustrated. “He loves his players, he talks to his players, communicates with his players, he’s honest with his players. That’s why so many people like him a lot.”
The four-time Pro Bowler added that Reid’s communication skills make him such a great leader. “He listens. He’ll make some adjustments,” Charles said. “And that’s how good he is, instead of a coach who’s just rebelling against his players.”
Andy Reid has coached some great football players in his 23-year head coaching career. Jamaal Charles and countless others have benefited under the tutelage of one of the brightest minds in the NFL. They also want to do well for him because of the way he treats them.
Reid has enjoyed plenty of success in Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t always been a powerhouse. The franchise had enjoyed some winning seasons but could never put it together consistently. Since Andy Reid has come to town, greatness has become the expectation.
After leading the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2013, Reid took his talents to Kansas City.
The Chiefs have put together winning records in each of Reid’s eight full seasons as head coach. Including the first nine games of the 2021 season, Kansas City has a 96-41 record under Reid.
The Chiefs have won the AFC West in five consecutive seasons. They’ve reached the AFC Championship in three straight seasons and the Super Bowl in each of the last two.
Reid solidified his Hall of Fame case by leading his squad to a victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
Andy Reid is known as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, and he’s enjoyed plenty of success with one of the most talented offensive lineups of his career.
Reid has been able to pull the most out of Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce over the years. Jamaal Charles was another beneficiary of his master game-planning.
Charles had the most fun of his career playing under the Chiefs’ head coach
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Jamaal Charles in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Texas. The star running back spent five seasons with the team before Andy Reid arrived but believed the current coach best utilized his skill set.
Before Reid’s tenure in Kansas City, Charles played for Herm Edwards, Todd Haley, and Romeo Crennel.
“My first year, it was Coach Herman. He was a good coach,” said Charles. “But I feel like all the pieces he put together as a coaching staff, it just wasn’t there. You got certain coaches who come in and think they’re the man and think they’re this and that, and that didn’t work.”
“Coach Haley was a good coach, but he’s so arrogant as a coach, where he was talking to his players crazy,” he added. “It’s his way. He’s not taking your opinions, you know what I’m saying? So players are not feeling him.”
“I felt bad for Coach Romeo,” said Charles. “Romeo came in, and he’s so friendly. He was so nice, but he didn’t have that chance to get another year.”
Andy Reid’s arrival was a breath of fresh air for Jamaal Charles. The Texas product enjoyed one of his best statistical seasons in 2013. He rushed for 1,287 yards and an NFL-high 12 touchdowns. He also recorded seven receiving touchdowns.
Coach Reid put Charles in positions to succeed in his offense, and the running back was grateful.
“It was just like, ‘dang man, where have you been all my career?'”
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
