Andy Reid makes decision about future as Chiefs miss playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their 2025 season end without a playoff berth. A decade-long streak of postseason trips stopped this year. That was surprising given recent success and five Super Bowl appearances in six seasons. The team suffered untimely injuries and uneven performances.

Games that once felt routine instead exposed weak spots. Fans and analysts expected a bounce back that never came. The result forces questions about personnel and health heading into 2026.

Andy Reid clarified his plans this week. The longtime coach said he intends to return.

MORE: Updated 2025 NFL Playoff Picture after Week 17

“I think I’m coming back, if they’ll have me back,” Reid said. He framed it as his plan, not a formal guarantee. Reid is wrapping up his 13th season in Kansas City and said he looks forward to No. 14. His comment suggests stability at the top, even as the organization considers changes elsewhere. The staff may still see turnover, but Reid wants to remain the leader.Updated 2025 NFL Playoff Picture after Week 17

Chiefs HC Andy Reid says he plans to be back as K.C.’s head coach in 2026: “I think I’m coming back, if they’ll have me back.”

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 29, 2025

Two stars will shape the Chiefs’ path forward. Patrick Mahomes missed time this season and the team prepared for games without him. In Week 16 the Chiefs practiced and planned without Mahomes, and backup Gardner Minshew went down early in the game. That left the offense thin and highlighted how vital Mahomes’ health is. Travis Kelce also faces retirement questions. If Kelce retires, tight ends coach Tom Melvin might ponder his own future. Kelce’s potential exit would be a big roster and locker-room shift.

The headline is clear. Reid plans to come back. The Chiefs must now repair health issues and evaluate key roles. Stability at head coach helps. But returning to the playoffs will take fixes on and off the field.

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