From Doubt to Dynasty: How Andy Reid’s Hiring Turned the Chiefs Into an NFL Powerhouse

When the Kansas City Chiefs hired Andy Reid as their head coach in 2013, not everyone was convinced it was the right move. Coming off a disappointing final season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reid’s coaching abilities were questioned by many. Chiefs fans, desperate for a turnaround, weren’t sure if the longtime coach was the answer.

Fast forward to today, and Reid has cemented himself as one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, leading Kansas City to multiple Super Bowl victories. What was once a controversial decision has turned into one of the best hires in NFL history.

The Skepticism Around Reid’s Hiring

Before joining the Chiefs, Andy Reid had spent 14 seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach. While he had a successful tenure, leading the team to five NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl, his final seasons were marked by struggles, missed playoffs, and declining performances.

In 2012, the Eagles finished 4-12, and Reid was fired. The Chiefs, coming off their own disastrous 2-14 season, saw Reid as an opportunity for a fresh start. But not everyone in Chiefs Kingdom was sold on the idea.

Many fans worried that:
⚠️ Reid’s best coaching days were behind him
⚠️ His offensive playcalling had become predictable
⚠️ He struggled with clock management in key moments

Some feared that bringing in a coach who just got fired wasn’t the right move for a team desperately needing change.

Building a Championship Contender

Despite the doubts, Reid wasted no time transforming the Chiefs. In his first season (2013), he took a 2-14 team and turned them into an 11-5 playoff contender.

But his greatest decision came in 2017, when he and GM Brett Veach drafted Patrick Mahomes, recognizing his generational talent. That move, along with assembling an elite coaching staff and surrounding Mahomes with weapons like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, changed the trajectory of the franchise forever.

Under Reid’s leadership, the Chiefs became an offensive powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top-scoring teams in the NFL. His creative playcalling, mentorship, and adaptability proved that he wasn’t just a great coach—he was one of the best to ever do it.