Chiefs linked to Patrick Mahomes’ former coach after firing as quarterback makes cryptic post

Jan 8, 2026 - 11:30

Patrick Mahomes could be set for a reunion with a familiar face.

Change is occurring at the Kansas City Chiefs, and the franchise could need a new offensive coordinator should the highly in-demand Matt Nagy leave the franchise.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury looks on from the sideline during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. — Kingsbury was let go by the Commanders after their 5-12 season

Despite the horror season endured by the Chiefs, which resulted in a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, current offensive coordinator Nagy is being sought after.

He is set to interview with the Tennessee Titans in the coming days.

One person being touted to replace Nagy is Kliff Kingsbury.

Kingsbury was the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders last season, but mutually agreed to part ways with the franchise after he met with head coach Dan Quinn earlier this week.

Kingsbury, who was the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, had one year left on his contract and is expected to find a new NFL team soon.

Some reports claim that Kingsbury is expected to explore head coach opportunities, but could be lured to the Chiefs should the franchise approach him.

Before his NFL coaching career, Kingsbury was the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders between 2013-2018

He coached Mahomes for all three of his college years while at the university.

ESPN’s Nate Taylor claimed the Chiefs would move for Kingsbury if Mahomes wants him.

“It would be difficult for Andy Reid not to go with Kliff Kingsbury, if that’s what Patrick Mahomes wanted,” Taylor told 96.5 The Fan.

Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (5) and head coach Kliff Kingsbury walk off the field after after a 54-35 win against Baylor at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 25, 2016. — Kingsbury was Mahomes’s head coach when the pair were both at Texas Tech

Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 — The Chiefs have been rumoured to be losing several coaches, including Matt Nagy

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Many have speculated that Mahomes is deeply frustrated with the Chiefs after their disappointing season.

Such rumors intensified after his cryptic post earlier this week, which showed him walking off the field and looking dejected.

Perhaps Mahomes’ mood will improve should he reunite with Kingsbury next season.

However, the pair didn’t have enjoy much success in college together, with a 16-21 record and zero bowl wins.

With that said, the superstar quarterback, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL, has previously hailed Kingsbury.

“He’s one of the first people that truly believed in me playing the quarterback position,” two-time MVP Mahomes told reporters in 2025 ahead of a game against the Commanders.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warmups before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 16, 2025 — It would be a reunion for Mahomes should Kingsbury join the Chiefs as their offensive coordinator

“He gave me a ton of advice of refining me, but letting me still just be me and play to my strengths. A great coach, a great person that I still stay in touch with.

“He let me just go out there and be myself and play the way that got me there. I think that’s something that is special about him as a coach.”

Andy Reid has previously said – via the NFL Network’s Taylor Bisicotti – that Kingsbury was a huge influence in why the Chiefs drafted Mahomes in 2017.

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