Andy Reid, born on March 19, 1958, is a well-respected figure in the world of American football. As an accomplished coach, Reid currently leads the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). With a successful career spanning over two decades, Reid has cemented his place in the history of football coaching due to his adaptability and work ethic.
Before taking over as the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Reid was the Philadelphia Eagles head coach from 1999 to 2012, where he also held the position of executive vice president of football operations. With a regular-season record of 247-138-1 and a postseason record of 22-16, Reid’s 269 total career wins rank him fifth in NFL history. A dedicated leader, Reid has been instrumental in building teams that compete at the highest level and contribute to the growth of the game.
As Reid embarks on his 11th season with the Chiefs in 2023, he continues to be an influential figure within the NFL. His commitment to the game, passion for mentoring young players, and ability to develop winning strategies exemplify the qualities of a great football coach. The legacy of Andy Reid is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and the lasting impact he has made on players, fellow coaches, and fans alike.
Early Life and Education
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 19, 1958. Growing up in East Hollywood, he participated in youth sports at Lemon Grove Recreation Center. Among his coaches was Pete Arbogast, the radio announcer for the USC football team, and formerly the radio play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Reid attended John Marshall High School, where he played for the school’s football team. During his high school years, he also worked as a vendor at Dodger Stadium. After graduating from John Marshall, Reid pursued his higher education at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah.
At BYU, Reid not only sharpened his football skills but also excelled academically. He played as an offensive lineman for the university’s football team, the BYU Cougars. Under the tutelage of renowned coach LaVell Edwards, Reid honed his skills on the field and started laying the foundation for a successful coaching career.
In addition to his studies at BYU, Reid spent time at Northern Arizona University. This experience further enriched his knowledge of the sport and contributed to his development as a well-rounded football mind. Throughout his early life and education, head coach Andy Reid consistently demonstrated dedication, hard work, and a passion for football, which set him on the path to becoming a respected coach in the NFL.
Coaching Career
Early Career
Andy Reid began his coaching career as an offensive line coach in college, including Missouri, before heading to the NFL. In 1992, he joined the Green Bay Packers as an offensive assistant under head coach Mike Holmgren. During his time with the Packers, Reid also served as a quarterbacks coach, working alongside personnel and assistant coaches. Reid was part of the coaching staff that won a Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXI.
Philadelphia Eagles Era
In 1999, Reid was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as their head coach. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the front office saw potential in Reid, who had a strong background in coaching and personnel. Under Reid’s leadership, the Eagles became perennial postseason contenders in the NFL.
Reid’s tenure with the Eagles saw the rise of quarterbacks like Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick. He led the team to multiple NFC Championship Game appearances, and though they did not win a Super Bowl, his efforts helped to establish a winning mindset within the organization.
Kansas City Chiefs Era
In 2013, Andy Reid became the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Since joining the team, Reid has made an immediate impact in terms of success and winning seasons. Key players such as Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce have thrived under Reid’s watch.
Reid’s presence has turned the Chiefs into a powerhouse in the AFC. In the 2019 season, Reid led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory with Mahomes as the MVP. The team has consistently been successful in the playoffs, making multiple AFC Championship Game appearances.
In addition to his role as head coach, Reid carries responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Football Operations. His trusted assistant coaches, like Dave Toub, contribute to the team’s overall success. The Chiefs play their home games at Arrowhead Stadium, living up to their reputation as a dominant force in the NFL.
Working with Significant Figures
Notable Players
Andy Reid is a well-regarded NFL coach, known for his work with many notable players over the years, including quarterbacks Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, and Patrick Mahomes. Reid played a significant role in the development of their careers.
Brett Favre spent his early years under Reid’s tutelage when Reid served as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers under head coach Mike Holmgren. Reid’s coaching helped shape Favre into a future Hall of Famer.
Donovan McNabb was the Philadelphia Eagles’ franchise quarterback during Reid’s tenure as head coach. McNabb had some of his best seasons under Reid, making multiple Pro Bowl appearances and leading the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl.
Michael Vick revitalized his career under Reid after joining the Eagles following a prison sentence. Reid, as head coach, helped Vick refine his game and become a more accurate passer, which led to a successful comeback.
Patrick Mahomes is currently the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. As head coach, Reid has been instrumental in Mahomes’ rapid development, which has included a league MVP award and a Super Bowl title.
Reid has also coached standout offensive players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, who have flourished under his offensive schemes.
Influential Coaches and Executives
Coach Andy Reid has worked with a number of influential coaches and executives throughout his career, building connections and relationships that have contributed to his success.
Mike Holmgren was Reid’s mentor during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, providing valuable guidance and experience that Reid would carry with him as he moved into head coaching roles.
Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots is a contemporary of Reid who is often regarded as the best modern NFL coach. While the two have had their storied battles, they share a mutual respect for each other’s football minds.
Chiefs Coach Reid has also crossed paths with front-office executives like John Dorsey, who served as the Chiefs’ general manager during his tenure.
Many of Reid’s former assistants and protégés have become successful head coaches themselves, further validating Reid’s coaching influence. Some of them include Sean McDermott (Buffalo Bills), John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens), Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers), and Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers).
