In 1982, Andy Reid began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Brigham Young University (BYU) under assistant coach Mike Holmgren. Reid’s diligence, note-taking, and curiosity impressed Holmgren, leading to a friendship that extended beyond football. Reid even helped install a playground for Holmgren’s children, illustrating the bond between the two. Decades later, the same qualities Holmgren admired in Reid contributed to his rise as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time.
As Reid leads the Kansas City Chiefs into another Super Bowl, his coaching resume is remarkable. He has won 301 games, ranking fourth all-time, and remains the only coach to achieve 100 wins with two different franchises. His playoff record, with 28 victories, is second only to Bill Belichick.
Kansas City has now played in five Super Bowls in six years, a feat unmatched in the modern era, and aims to become the first team to win three consecutive championships. His ability to maintain success over decades is a testament to his adaptability and strategic brilliance.
Unlike many NFL coaches, Reid did not have a prominent football pedigree or a fast track into the profession. His path was unconventional, making his success even more impressive. Brad Childress, a former assistant under Reid, noted that Reid “wasn’t born on third base,” highlighting his perseverance in earning every opportunity in his career.
Reid’s coaching journey took him through various collegiate programs before he finally got his break in the NFL. He spent time coaching at Northern Arizona University, Texas-El Paso, and Missouri before joining the Green Bay Packers in 1992. These formative years shaped his coaching philosophy and allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the game.
Andy Reid (NFL)Holmgren’s Mentorship Helped Andy Reid Develop Into a Future NFL Head Coach
Holmgren recognized Reid’s coaching potential early on and played a pivotal role in shaping his career. He helped Reid land his first full-time coaching job at San Francisco State and later hired him in Green Bay. Holmgren also encouraged Reid to expand his expertise beyond offensive line coaching, a move that broadened his understanding of the passing game and set him on a path toward becoming a head coach.
When Steve Mariucci, another Holmgren disciple, wanted to bring Reid to the San Francisco 49ers, Holmgren blocked the move, believing Reid was too valuable. Instead, he increased Reid’s responsibilities and salary, ultimately grooming him for a future head coaching role.
Reid’s coaching acumen became evident during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. Holmgren assigned him to coach tight ends and offensive linemen, ensuring that Reid developed a broader offensive understanding. This decision proved crucial, as Reid later became the team’s quarterbacks coach, working closely with Brett Favre during his three consecutive MVP seasons.
Reid’s ability to earn players’ trust and take accountability helped cement his reputation as a leader. He was known for his meticulous preparation and innovative play design, traits that would define his future coaching career.
Despite never having served as a coordinator, Reid was hired as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. Holmgren recommended him to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, and the decision proved to be a turning point for the franchise.
Reid transformed the Eagles into perennial contenders, making five NFC Championship Game appearances and leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2004. However, despite numerous deep playoff runs, a Super Bowl victory eluded him. His tenure in Philadelphia established him as one of the league’s premier coaches, but he ultimately parted ways with the team in 2012.
Andy Reid (NFL)Andy Reid’s Ever Evolving Offense Is the Key to His Sustained NFL Success
Reid has maintained his success by constantly evolving his offensive schemes. Brad Childress noted that Reid is always studying trends and implementing innovative plays, even drawing inspiration from unexpected sources like college football and historical playbooks.
His ability to adapt has been a key factor in his longevity and effectiveness. In Kansas City, Reid has shown a willingness to tailor his schemes to fit his personnel, a stark contrast to many coaches who rigidly stick to a system. This flexibility has allowed him to maintain a top-tier offense for decades.
When Reid took over as the Chiefs’ head coach in 2013, he revitalized the franchise. His partnership with general manager Brett Veach has been instrumental in building a consistently competitive team. Reid’s coaching staff is regarded as one of the best in the NFL, and his ability to mentor quarterbacks has helped him win with different signal-callers, including Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes.
The arrival of Mahomes in 2017 marked a new era for the Chiefs, as Reid built an offense perfectly suited to Mahomes’ unique talents. Together, they have formed one of the most dominant coach-quarterback duos in NFL history.
Under Reid, the Chiefs have dominated the NFL, with a high-powered offense and a culture of winning. His coaching has been instrumental in Mahomes’ development, and the team’s ability to win close games underscores Reid’s strategic brilliance. His adaptability and leadership have turned Kansas City into an NFL dynasty.
Despite losing key players each season due to salary cap constraints, the Chiefs remain at the forefront of the league, thanks to Reid’s ability to develop new talent and adjust his play-calling accordingly.
Despite all his success, Reid remains humble, attributing his growth to his mentors, including Holmgren. The two remain close, even sharing humorous moments when fans mistake Holmgren for Reid. As Reid continues to add to his legacy, his journey from an unknown graduate assistant to an NFL coaching legend stands as a testament to hard work, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to the game.
With multiple Super Bowl victories and an ever-growing list of accolades, Reid has firmly established himself as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. His legacy will endure for generations, inspiring future coaches and players alike.
