Andy Reid Deserves NFL Coach of the Year: What More Could He Possibly Do?

The Kansas City Chiefs are 15-1 for the first time in franchise history, with a chance to reach an unprecedented 16-win regular season this Sunday. Yet, despite this historic performance, Andy Reid—a coach who has redefined success in the NFL—remains an afterthought in the race for the NFL Coach of the Year award.

How is this possible?

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Reid currently sits third in the Vegas betting markets, trailing Washington’s Dan Quinn and Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell. While both have done commendable jobs, the question lingers: what does Reid have to do to finally get his due? Is an undefeated season the only metric that would qualify him for the honor?

Reid’s legacy in Kansas City speaks volumes. Under his guidance, the Chiefs have won three Super Bowls and transformed into one of the NFL’s most consistent powerhouses. Yet, Reid has never won the Coach of the Year award during his tenure, a glaring omission for the architect of one of the greatest dynasties in modern football.

A Historic Season Built on Resilience

This season wasn’t a cakewalk for the Chiefs. They faced an onslaught of injuries that would have derailed lesser teams. Before the season even began, wide receiver Hollywood Brown was sidelined for 15 weeks with a clavicle injury. In Week 2, starting running back Isiah Pacheco was ruled out for months. By Week 4, top wideout Rashee Rice—who led the league in receptions and was second in yards—was lost for the season.

The offensive line was another challenge, with the Chiefs starting four different left tackles, including a rookie and a free agent signed late in the season. Despite these setbacks, Reid adapted, transforming his team from a pass-heavy juggernaut into a run-first squad—a first in his coaching tenure.

Plan A didn’t work. Plan B was derailed. Plan C? It still resulted in victories.

The Chiefs have found ways to win in every imaginable scenario. From deploying three different kickers for game-winning field goals to overcoming critical injuries, Reid has orchestrated a season that is as much a testament to his adaptability as it is to his brilliance.

Why Reid’s Success Gets Overlooked

The issue may lie in how the Coach of the Year award is perceived. Often, it’s seen as a recognition of the most improved team or a coach who exceeds low expectations. For Reid, maintaining the Chiefs’ dominance year after year almost works against him. His excellence has become so routine that it’s easy to take for granted.

But consistency is not easy. The NFL is designed to promote parity, with salary caps, draft picks, and schedules aimed at leveling the playing field. Yet Reid has built a system where the Chiefs not only survive these challenges but thrive.

Contrast Reid’s success with other elite coaches. Kyle Shanahan, for example, has missed the playoffs after each of his Super Bowl runs with the 49ers. Sustained greatness, as Reid has achieved, is a rare feat in the NFL.

Peaking at the Right Time

What’s perhaps most impressive about this Chiefs team is their trajectory. Despite their injuries and early struggles, the Chiefs have hit their stride in the last two weeks. On Christmas Day, they delivered a dominant performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, showcasing an offense that appears to be firing on all cylinders.

The return of Hollywood Brown and the emergence of Xavier Worthy—who overcame early-season struggles—are testaments to Reid’s patience and coaching acumen. This team is not just winning; it’s improving as the season progresses, embodying the essence of great coaching.

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A Call for Recognition

If the NFL Coach of the Year award is meant to honor the best coach in the league, then Andy Reid’s name deserves to be at the top of the list. This season has been a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and sustained excellence.

Reid doesn’t need the award to validate his legacy. But if the award is to have any meaning, it must recognize the unparalleled job he’s done this year. The Chiefs are better now than they were at the start of the season, better than they were last month, and better than they were last week. That’s a testament to Reid’s brilliance.

Andy Reid has proven, yet again, why he’s one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. It’s time the league gave him the recognition he’s long overdue.