Veteran sportscaster Colin Cowherd asserted that Patrick Mahomes’ impact on Andy Reid’s coaching legacy truly began once Mahomes became the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback. Despite Andy Reid’s long tenure as an NFL head coach, Cowherd emphasized on his FS1 show, The Herd, how Reid’s greatest success came after Mahomes took the helm.
Andy Reid, now regarded as one of the greatest NFL head coaches, faced several setbacks before Mahomes joined the Chiefs. While coaching the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2012, Reid reached multiple NFC Championship Games between 2000 and 2003 but failed to advance to the Super Bowl, losing in 2004 and again missing a Super Bowl run in 2008. Upon his move to Kansas City in 2013, Reid’s teams did not make the AFC Championship Game during his first five seasons. This changed when the Chiefs traded quarterback Alex Smith in 2018, clearing the way for Patrick Mahomes to become the starting quarterback.
Reid Reflects on Chiefs’ Recent Offensive Line Improvements
Following the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where the Eagles’ defense overwhelmed the Chiefs’ offensive line and sacked Mahomes six times without blitzing, the Chiefs have taken action to address their offensive line weaknesses. Joe Thuney, who struggled at tackle, has since left for the Chicago Bears. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd pick after trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kingsley Suamataia, previously playing tackle, is shifting inside to guard in response to these changes. Reid expressed optimism about Suamataia’s adjustment and Simmons’ progress during Organized Team Activities (OTAs):
“(Suamataia)’s got experience, and then he looks more comfortable there. He seems to be picking it up pretty well.” — Andy Reid
“[Simmons] is doing a nice job. We weren’t sure quite how much we were going to get out of him, but he looks strong… You can definitely see the talent. He’s gotta keep learning the stuff that (offensive line coach Andy Heck)’s teaching him… but he sure has a good attitude about it.” — Andy Reid
Mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 17 to 19. Meanwhile, uncertainty remains regarding the attendance of offensive lineman Trey Smith, who has been holding out due to contract negotiations.
Mahomes’ Role in Shaping Reid’s Championship Era
Patrick Mahomes’ arrival has undeniably transformed Andy Reid’s coaching career. Before Mahomes, Reid’s teams struggled to reach the highest levels of the playoffs despite consistent competitiveness. Since Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, Reid has secured three Super Bowl titles and elevated the franchise into a dominant NFL force in the 2020s.
The combination of Reid’s experienced coaching staff, including offensive line coach Andy Heck, and the addition of promising young players like Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia, reflect the franchise’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its winning formula. The Chiefs’ ability to address previous vulnerabilities, particularly along the offensive line, will be a key factor in sustaining their championship aspirations moving forward.