The Kansas City Chiefs may be facing questions after a difficult season and a major injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but head coach Andy Reid is not considering retirement.
According to several coaching confidants, Reid remains fully committed to returning next season — and he has a clear goal in mind.
Reid addressed his future publicly on December 29, making it clear he intends to stay in Kansas City.
“I mean, I think I’m coming back, right?” Reid told local Kansas City reporters on a Zoom call. “If they’ll have me back, I’ll come back. You never know in this business. That’s a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah.”
At 67 years old, and turning 68 in March, Reid continues to face questions about retirement. However, those close to him say he has no plans to step aside.
Andy Reid’s Pursuit of the NFL Wins Record
Reid currently owns 279 regular-season victories, placing him fourth on the NFL’s all-time list. He has 307 combined regular-season and playoff wins, just 40 behind Don Shula’s record of 328 total wins.
One former member of Reid’s staff, who remains close to him, said the Chiefs coach has no intention of slowing down.
“He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, I can promise you that,” the former staffer told SportsBoom. “He wants that record. He knows exactly how close it is. As long as Mahomes is the quarterback, Andy is going to be on the sidelines.”
Another longtime confidant echoed that sentiment.
“He feels as energized as ever; you can tell,” the source said. “He’s going to catch Shula. You can take that to the bank.”
Reid still has three years remaining on his current contract, and those familiar with his situation believe a future extension is possible.
Andy Reid’s Confidence in Patrick Mahomes’ Recovery
A major storyline entering the offseason is Mahomes’ recovery from knee surgery. The superstar quarterback underwent a procedure performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, and the Chiefs are optimistic about his timeline.
On January 4, Reid provided an update, according to ESPN’s Nate Taylor.
“He’s doing great for just being 3 weeks out,” Reid said. “He’ll go ahead & most likely stay up here (in KC) rehabbing. He has a lot of trust in (Julie Frymyer). He’s been in there grinding.”
Assistant Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist Julie Frymyer is overseeing much of the rehabilitation work.
Fox Sports reporter Jay Glazer reported that Mahomes has already achieved a 90-degree bend in his injured left knee, within weeks of surgery. Glazer added that Mahomes is expected to attack the recovery aggressively.
Kansas City’s vice president of sports medicine and performance, Rick Burkholder, also addressed Mahomes’ progress.
“Every player is different. Every sport is different. Every position is different,” Burkholder said. “(Mahomes) is so in tune to what he does, he does it a little quicker.”
The 2026 NFL season is expected to begin September 10, and the Chiefs remain hopeful Mahomes could return early in the season.
During a recent appearance celebrating his wife, Brittany Mahomes, in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, he was also seen walking without crutches for the first time since his procedure.
The Kansas City Chiefs Hope to Return to Greatness
The Chiefs missed the playoffs this season for the first time since 2014, Reid’s second year in Kansas City. Despite roster questions and the challenge of working through Mahomes’ recovery, those close to Reid insist his focus has not wavered.
He has led the franchise to three Super Bowl titles and remains motivated by both team success and his place in NFL history.
For now, Reid has made his stance clear.
“I plan on it,” he said when asked about returning.
And according to those who know him best, that plan includes chasing
Why Andy Reid Isn’t Walking Away From the Chiefs Anytime Soon