Andy Reid and football go together like macaroni and cheese. With decades of experience, countless playoff appearances, and a reputation as one of the league’s most innovative offensive minds, Reid’s name is synonymous with success in the NFL coaching world.
Let’s dive into Reid’s illustrious career, from his early coaching days to his current tenure as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Andy Reid’s Early NFL Stint With Green Bay Packers
Like many professional head coaches, Reid’s career started in the college ranks before he entered the NFL.
After playing offensive tackle at Brigham Young University, Reid transitioned to coaching, holding assistant roles at schools like San Francisco State and Missouri. His big break came in 1992 when he joined the Green Bay Packers as an offensive assistant.
Reid quickly climbed the ranks under head coach Mike Holmgren, eventually becoming the Packers’ quarterbacks coach. His work with Brett Favre during Green Bay’s Super Bowl-winning era earned Reid league-wide recognition and set the stage for his future success as a head coach.
Philadelphia Eagles Win Big Under Reid
Reid got his first head coaching job in 1999 with the Philadelphia Eagles, and over the next 14 seasons, turned the Eagles into perennial contenders. Under his leadership, the team made nine playoff appearances, won six NFC East titles, and reached the NFC Championship Game on five occasions.
Perhaps his most notable achievement in Philly was leading the Eagles to Super Bowl 39 in the 2004 season, where they narrowly lost to the New England Patriots. While a Super Bowl ring eluded him during this era, Reid left an indelible mark, finishing his tenure at 130-93-1.
Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs Rebirth
Reid didn’t stay unemployed for long after parting ways with the Eagles in 2012. The Chiefs hired him in 2013, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Reid revitalized the Chiefs, turning a struggling franchise into one of the NFL’s premier teams. Since joining Kansas City, he’s led the Chiefs to multiple AFC West titles, numerous playoff appearances, and multiple Super Bowl berths. His crowning achievement came in Super Bowl 54, where the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, giving Reid his long-awaited first Super Bowl ring.
His career record with Kansas City is the best in franchise history, and he’s widely regarded as a coaching legend. Reid has made over 20 postseason appearances throughout his coaching career and has had more playoff wins than most coaches in NFL history.
Known for his brilliant offensive schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks, Reid’s coaching style has left a lasting impact on the game. His partnership with Patrick Mahomes has yielded tremendous results. The duo has become one of the NFL’s most feared coach-QB combinations, and they’ve redefined what an explosive offense looks like in the modern era.
What Is Reid’s Record Among Active NFL Head Coaches?
At 300-162-1, Reid has the winningest record among active head coaches. Only Don Shula, Bill Belichick, and George Halas have won more all-time games.
Reid is also the only head coach in NFL history to win 100 games with two franchises (Eagles and Chiefs). He’s been in Kansas City for just two fewer seasons than his time in Philadelphia and, at 143-53, has already exceeded his record there.
Chiefs Meet Buffalo Bills in AFC Title Game
Reid’s next challenge is getting the Chiefs past MVP candidate, Josh Allen, and the Buffalo Bills.
As they have been to many opponents in the postseason, Kansas City is a thorn in Buffalo’s side. During Reid’s tenure, the Chiefs and Bills have gone head-to-head three times in the postseason: once in the AFC Championship Game and twice in the Divisional Round. Unfortunately for the Bills, they have yet to clear the Chiefs hurdle.
