Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday he’s not thinking about retirement after superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension that links him to the organization through the 2031 NFL season. Reid, a 62-year-old Los Angeles native, discussed his outlook after being asked by Herbie Teope of the Kansas City Star whether he’s ready to work with Mahomes into his “young 70s”:
“In the young 70s, huh? Listen, I haven’t got to that point mentally where I’m thinking about retirement. One of the great things about this job is when you look forward to coming to work and to deal with the players and coaches. I’m lucky enough to be around good players and coaches. This guy here [Mahomes], makes it even better. He has a unique ability with what he does with his teammates. The Honey Badger [Tyrann Mathieu] was part of this too. … “Both of those two guys make our jobs very enjoyable. I come to work and have two great leaders like that, along with other players who love to play the game. Listen, if it takes me into my 70s, then let’s roll. Herbie, doggone it, I’m ready to go.”
Coaching through the duration of Mahomes’ contract would put Reid on track to become the oldest head coach in NFL history, though the New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick and Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll both remain active at age 68. The Chiefs are coming off a triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV in February, the franchise’s second Super Bowl title.
Mahomes told reporters Reid’s continued presence was a “huge part” of his decision to remain committed to K.C. for the long haul, and general manager Brett Veach added the front office knew the coach-quarterback combination was destined for big things.
“We knew that pairing Pat with coach Reid was going to be something special,” Veach said. “And (that) they were going to be able to accomplish things that the league hasn’t seen before.”
Reid’s coaching career has spanned four decades, including stops at both the collegiate and professional levels. He’s been an NFL head coach since 1999 when he took over the Philadelphia Eagles staff, and he moved to the Chiefs in 2013.
His innovative play-calling matched with Mahomes’ ridiculous skill set has created an offensive juggernaut that averaged 39 points during last season’s playoff run. And it sounds like there’s no end in sight for one of the NFL’s premier partnerships.
