Will Andy Reid coach the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026? The future Hall of Famer clarified those retirement rumors.
Andy Reid Talks Retirement Rumors
Andy Reid plans to return as Chiefs coach next season: "If they'll have me back, I'll come back"https://t.co/DzW1laB5Tx pic.twitter.com/Mcs3ZKhcLZ
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 29, 2025
With the Chiefs eliminated from postseason contention, Reid and his team will wrap up their season in Week 18.
Because of Reid’s age, retirement is always a possibility. However, the 67-year-old plans to be on the sidelines for the Chiefs next season.
“I mean, I think I’m coming back, right?” Reid joked to reporters on Monday’s Zoom call via NFL.com. “If they’ll have me back, I’ll come back. You never know in this business. That’s a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah.”
In April 2024, Reid signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Chiefs to remain with the team through the 2029 season.
Since arriving in 2013, Reid has transformed the Chiefs into a Super Bowl-winning franchise. The Chiefs made the postseason in four of Reid’s first five years.
After making the move to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs went from a good team to the NFL’s best franchise. The Chiefs went to seven consecutive AFC Championships and appeared in five Super Bowls, winning three.
2025 marks the first year since 2014 that the Chiefs will miss the postseason. It’s also only the fourth time in Reid’s 27-year head coaching career that his team will finish with a record below .500.
Chiefs Could Look Different in 2026
Well, that went well for the Chiefs draft pick. pic.twitter.com/Pr8rFFS9yg
— Conner Christopherson (@Conner_DKC) December 28, 2025
After a disappointing 2025 season, the Chiefs will need to address several issues this offseason.
Getting Reid back was the first step.
Mahomes’ status for 2026 is the next issue. Mahomes underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL, which can take as little as six months or as long as a year, depending on the severity.
There is a possibility that Mahomes might not be ready for the start of the 2026 season. If that is the case, the Chiefs must sign a veteran quarterback to keep the team afloat until Mahomes can return.
Speaking of retirement, Travis Kelce might walk away from the game. Kelce’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the 36-year-old will take some time to decide on his future.
Replacing a future Hall of Fame tight end will be no easy task.
Mahomes covers up many of the team’s issues, like the lack of a running game. The Chiefs ranked 23rd in rushing yards per game (108.0). Kansas City will likely need to add another running back to make its backfield more dynamic.
The same thought process can be applied to its receiving corps. Rashee Rice is the clear No. 1, but Xavier Worthy has struggled as the team’s No. 2 option.
Before the offseason, the Chiefs (6-10) will face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) in Week 18.
