Andy Reid makes retirement decision as Chiefs coach reveals Patrick Mahomes contingency plan

Andy Reid lost again on Sunday.

But even the guarantee of a below .500 record won’t deter the 67-year-old Reid as he focuses on his coaching future with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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It was another rough week for Reid’s team, which fell 26-9 to the lowly Tennessee Titans and watched new starting quarterback Gardner Minshew — who had replaced an injured Patrick Mahomes — leave the game due to an ACL tear.

Chiefs fans get good news from Reid

As the Chiefs fell to 6-9, Reid lost both of his primary QBs to ACL injuries.

But Kansas City fans were given hope for 2026 with reports that Reid is planning on returning next season and holding off on retirement for at least one more year.

“Legendary coach Andy Reid isn’t getting fired, and people who know Reid well say he has given no indications he’ll walk away at age 67,” NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday.

“For the first time in years, he’ll finally have a full offseason to recharge.”

Questions still surround the football future of veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who has vowed to play the Chiefs’ final two regular-season games this year but yet to commit to a 2026 return.

With Mahomes and Kelce both stuck with losing seasons, Reid will attempt to steady the sliding Chiefs while Mahomes recovers from ACL and LCL injuries.

Travis Kelce yet to commit to 2026

“Travis Kelce could retire, though no decision has been made,” NFL.com reported. “Another roster reboot, as GM Brett Veach has executed adeptly in the past, could be afoot.

“One situation to watch: Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy chose not to sign an extension in the offseason and is set to become a free agent. Nagy will be a top head coaching candidate and could well land a job.

“If he doesn’t, Nagy could become a hot candidate for a play-calling job elsewhere. That would mean Reid needs a new OC, with several of his former assistants — including Eric Bieniemy and perhaps Giants interim HC Mike Kafka — among potential candidates.”

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talkSPORT reacts ... Chiefs waiting on Kelce

Patrick Mahomes is rehabbing, while Andy Reid will reportedly return in 2026.

But what about the super-famous tight end who’s also set to marry Taylor Swift?

The Chiefs’ dynasty has received a major crack this year.

Kansas City knows that Travis Kelce is approaching retirement.

If the future Hall of Famer walks away after 2025, the Chiefs must find someone who can partially replace his importance on the field and within the locker room.

Brian T. Smith, Senior US Sports Reporter

Sunday’s defeat marked the first time since 2012 that the Chiefs have posted a losing record.

It’s also the first time that Reid has been stuck with a below .500 mark since taking over the Chiefs in 2013.

“Nobody likes to lose in this business,” Reid said. “But my hat goes off for the guys that put together all these years. That’s part of it. We can learn from it and need to do that going forward. Sometimes a good kick in the tail there helps you, coaches and players.”

Reid makes new QB decision

With Mahomes healing and Minshew also sidelined with an ACL injury, Kansas City turned to third-stringer Chris Oladokun on Sunday.

The No. 241 overall pick (seventh round) of the 2022 NFL Draft played college ball at South Florida, Samford and South Dakota State.

Oladokun was solid vs the Titans, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yard and an 88.3 rating but was also sacked four times for 44 negative yards.

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“I probably could give him better stuff to work with,” Reid said. “In particular, give him some more reps during the week. He didn’t have any reps to lead him in, but for what he was asked to do, I thought he did a nice job.”

The Chiefs close out their 2025 season with a home game vs the Denver Broncos on Thursday and a Week 18 contest at the Las Vegas Raiders.

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