As NFL teams scramble to fill vacancies and lock in coordinators, Andy Reid is content to let the process play out.
The Kansas City Chiefs head coach has resisted the urge to rush a decision on his next offensive coordinator, and that patience could ultimately give Kansas City access to options other teams never see.
With Matt Nagy still interviewing for head coaching jobs around the league, the Chiefs do not yet know whether they will even need to make a hire.
Reid acknowledged this week that he has both internal and external candidates in mind, but stressed there is no urgency to force a decision. In a league where timing often dictates outcomes, Kansas City’s willingness to wait stands out.
The longer the Chiefs hold their position, the more the landscape could shift. One potential development hovering in the background is the future of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
Green Bay‘s season ended in painful fashion with a blown 21-3 playoff lead against Chicago, a collapse that reignited questions about LaFleur‘s ability to finish games at the highest level despite an otherwise impressive résumé.
LaFleur has won 79 games in seven seasons and led Green Bay to three straight 13-win campaigns early in his tenure.
His offenses peaked in 2020, when the Packers finished first in scoring, and again in 2024, when they ranked eighth. This season, however, Green Bay slipped to the middle of the pack, finishing 16th in points and 15th in yards per game.
If the Packers ultimately decide to make a change, LaFleur would immediately become one of the most accomplished offensive minds available. That scenario is precisely why Reid‘s patience matters.
A coach of LaFleur‘s stature would not be available during the early stages of the hiring cycle, but waiting keeps Kansas City in position to explore every possibility.
Why Kansas City can afford to wait
The Chiefs are uniquely positioned to take a measured approach. Reid‘s job security, organizational stability and long-term partnership with Patrick Mahomes allow Kansas City to prioritize fit over speed.
Reid has repeatedly emphasized that the offensive system must align with Mahomes‘ strengths while also maintaining structure and adaptability.
That adaptability could be crucial. Mahomes is expected to return from knee surgery early in the 2026 season, but Kansas City‘s track record without him is thin.
Chiefs backups are just 2-8 in games Mahomes has missed since 2018.
LaFleur, by contrast, has shown an ability to win with multiple quarterbacks, successfully transitioning from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love and getting competitive performances from Malik Willis when injuries struck.
Even if LaFleur never becomes available, the principle remains the same. By waiting, Reid ensures the Chiefs are not boxed into a choice simply because the calendar demands it.
As the rest of the league races to fill openings, Kansas City is playing the long game. Andy Reid has built a career on preparation and restraint, and those traits have helped keep the Chiefs among the NFL‘s elite. In a chaotic offseason, patience may once again prove to be Kansas City’s most valuable asset.
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