In a stunning announcement that sent ripples across the NFL, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that the 2025–26 season will be his final one before stepping away from coaching. The 65-year-old, who has been at the helm of the Chiefs since 2013, revealed his decision during an emotional press conference at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday morning.

Reid, widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive minds in football history, said the choice didn’t come easily — but that it was time.

“I’ve been blessed to coach this game for a long time,” Reid said. “But there comes a point where you realize football doesn’t last forever. I want to spend more time with my family, and I want to leave this game the right way — on my terms.”

The announcement caught many players and staff members by surprise. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has built one of the most successful QB-coach partnerships in modern NFL history with Reid, appeared emotional when speaking to reporters afterward. “He’s more than a coach — he’s family,” Mahomes said. “We’ve built something special here, and I want to make sure this season ends the way he deserves.”

Under Reid’s leadership, the Chiefs transformed from a struggling franchise into a modern dynasty. He guided the team to three Super Bowl victories, five AFC Championship appearances, and more than a decade of playoff consistency. His innovative offensive schemes and player development have influenced an entire generation of coaches across the league.

NFL insiders say Reid’s decision has been building quietly over the past year. Sources close to the organization told ESPN that while Reid still loves coaching, the physical and mental demands of the game have begun to take a toll. “He’s been thinking about this for a while,” one staffer said. “He just wanted to make sure the team was in a good place before stepping away.”

Reid’s coaching career spans over three decades, beginning as an assistant with the Green Bay Packers before taking the head coaching job in Philadelphia in 1999. After 14 seasons with the Eagles, he joined Kansas City, where his career reached legendary status. With over 260 career wins, Reid currently ranks among the top five winningest coaches in NFL history.

The Chiefs organization released a statement praising Reid’s impact both on and off the field, calling him “the heart of the Chiefs Kingdom.” Team owner Clark Hunt wrote, “Andy Reid didn’t just bring championships to Kansas City — he brought belief, discipline, and a culture of excellence that will last long after he’s gone.”

As for Reid, he made it clear that his focus remains entirely on finishing the season strong. “This isn’t a farewell tour,” he said. “It’s a football season. We’ve got goals, and we’re going to chase them until the very last whistle.”

With the Chiefs once again among the top contenders in the AFC, the possibility of Reid walking off the field with one final Lombardi Trophy is a storyline that’s sure to dominate the remainder of the season.

“If this really is the last ride,” one fan wrote on X, “then let’s make it one for the ages.”