The Chiefs’ 2025 campaign was a rare disappointment for Kansas City, and head coach Andy Reid says he’s ready to address the shortcomings this offseason. Reid acknowledged the team underperformed across the board and promised changes, saying some players and staff will depart while others will be brought in, and that sometimes change is beneficial.
Offensively, the club made immediate moves: offensive coordinator Matt Nagy left after a 6-11 year that saw Kansas City miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and former OC Eric Bieniemy has been rehired. Among upcoming free agents are tight end Travis Kelce; running backs Kareem Hunt and Isaiah Pacheco; wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown; defensive backs Brian Cook and Jalen Watson; defensive lineman Charles Omenihu; and linebacker Leo Chenal.
Reid just finished his 13th season as head coach, during which the Chiefs went 149-64 in the regular season and 18-8 in the postseason, winning three Super Bowls (2019, 2022, 2023) and appearing in five overall (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024). The offense struggled last year, ranking 21st in scoring (about 21.3 points per game) and 20th in total offense (320.6 yards per game). Patrick Mahomes posted career lows in passer rating (89.6) and completion percentage (62.7%) since becoming the full-time starter, and he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 15; he’s optimistic about returning for Week 1 of 2026.
Kelce, a four-time All-Pro, had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns — his fewest receptions since 2015 — yet he still made the 2026 Pro Bowl alongside center Creed Humphrey, guard Trey Smith and defensive tackle Chris Jones. The defense remained a bright spot, ranking sixth in opponent scoring (19.3 points per game) and 10th in yards allowed (301.5 per game). Jones led the team with seven sacks; linebacker Nick Bolton logged 154 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble; Drew Tranquill had 103 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble; and defensive back Chamarri Conner recorded 117 tackles along with two forced fumbles and two sacks.
Looking ahead, Kansas City is over the salary cap and carries the most committed salaries in the league, though it will enter the 2026 draft with picks No. 9, No. 40 and No. 74 to reshape the roster.
Fan take: This matters because a franchise reset in Kansas City could reshape the AFC landscape — if Reid and the front office get the personnel moves and coordinator hire right, the Chiefs can return to perennial contender status quickly. For the league, how Kansas City responds to a rare down year will influence coaching trends, roster-building strategies and the offseason arms race for top talent.
