The answers, it seems, are already in motion. Ownership, coaching staff, and players are all echoing the same sentiment: this is a time for honest reflection, bold change, and renewed ambition. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt put it plainly during his appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on January 27, 2026: “One of the few silver linings to not participating in the playoffs is having an opportunity to really step back and evaluate what didn’t go our way in 2025 and what we can do to get better,” Hunt said. “In talking to Coach (Andy) Reid, I know he feels we have an opportunity to be better in all three phases. There were times during the year where we were successful, but there was a lot of inconsistency, really, across the squad.”
That inconsistency was evident in the numbers. The Chiefs finished 21st in the NFL in points per game (21.3) and 20th in total yards (320.6), a far cry from their high-flying days just a couple of seasons ago. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, usually the engine of the offense, suffered a career-low in passer rating (89.6) and completion percentage (62.7%) since taking over as the full-time starter in 2018. To make matters worse, Mahomes’ season was cut short by a torn ACL in Week 15. The good news? According to reports, Mahomes is optimistic about being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season.
The defense, meanwhile, was a relative bright spot. Despite the team’s struggles, Kansas City finished sixth in opponent points allowed (19.3 per game) and 10th in total yards surrendered (301.5 per game). Defensive lineman Chris Jones led the team with seven sacks, while linebacker Nick Bolton racked up an impressive 154 combined tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Drue Tranquill and Chamarri Conner also stood out, with Tranquill notching 103 tackles and Conner contributing 117 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two sacks. Yet, even these solid defensive efforts couldn’t overcome the team-wide inconsistency that plagued the Chiefs throughout 2025.
Head coach Andy Reid, now wrapping up his 13th season at the helm with a remarkable 149-64 regular season record and three Super Bowl titles (2019, 2022, and 2023), isn’t one to shy away from accountability. “I’m fired up to get into this offseason and get going. We didn’t do very well this past year and that hasn’t been our M.O. there. I’m going to fix the problem, the problems that we had in all phases. This isn’t just an offense, all phases,” Reid declared on January 26, 2026, according to NFL.com. He added, “There will be some guys that move on, there will be people that come in—players and a couple of quality control guys left and a couple of other guys left, and we will cover all of that down the road here. Change can be good sometimes for you, and so that’s what I’m fired up about.”
Change is already afoot in the coaching ranks. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has parted ways with the team, and in a move that’s sure to excite fans, Eric Bieniemy is returning to Kansas City as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy, a familiar and respected figure, is expected to bring stability and creativity back to the offense. The Chiefs have also moved on from some less experienced coaches and are reportedly targeting seasoned position coaches, a shift that should allow Reid to focus more on scheme and play design rather than day-to-day minutiae.
The front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, faces its own set of challenges. The Chiefs are over the salary cap and have the highest payroll commitments in the NFL heading into 2026. Several key contributors—including tight end Travis Kelce, running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Hollywood Brown, defensive backs Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson, defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, and linebacker Leo Chenal—are all set to hit free agency. Roster turnover is inevitable, and the pressure is on to find impact players who can step in and contribute immediately.
One major opportunity comes in the form of the NFL Draft. The Chiefs hold the No. 9 overall pick in April’s draft, their first top-10 selection since 2013 (not counting the 2017 trade-up to select Mahomes at No. 10). They also possess the 40th and 74th picks, giving them valuable ammunition to address glaring needs, particularly along the defensive line and at running back. “We’re very excited to have Eric Bieniemy coming back as our offensive coordinator, and of course, we have a top-10 pick coming up in the NFL draft in April,” Hunt emphasized. “The first time we’ve drafted in the top 10, really, since 2013 although in 2017 we did trade up to number 10 to take Patrick Mahomes.” Hunt knows just how rare these high picks are for a perennial contender like Kansas City and is adamant about making the most of it: “He knows opportunities to pick this high don’t come around often, and that the team needs to take advantage of it as best they can.”
Perhaps the biggest question mark looming over the offseason is the status of Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old tight end, a four-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, has yet to announce whether he’ll return for a 14th season or hang up his cleats. Kelce played all 17 games in 2025, leading the team with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns—solid numbers, even if not quite up to his previous standards. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt made it clear that the organization wants him back: “Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said. “He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision.” Kelce, for his part, is enjoying a busy offseason with his engagement and upcoming marriage, and the team is giving him the space to decide his future.
As the Chiefs prepare for the 2026 season, the mood in Kansas City is one of cautious optimism. With a high draft pick, coaching shake-ups, and the potential return of key veterans, the pieces are in place for a turnaround. But nothing will come easy in the ever-competitive AFC. The coming months will be crucial as the front office and coaching staff work to address deficiencies and reestablish the Chiefs as a force to be reckoned with. Fans are waiting, hopeful that the lessons of 2025 will pave the way for a return to the top of the NFL mountain.
