Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is secure with the organization’s leadership after sharing with fans that head coach Andy Reid wont be stepping away from the game anytime soon. Hunt praised Reid’s job with the team throughout the years and said that when the day comes for Reid to retire, he will handle the transition of finding his replacement.
Hunt told the media how instrumental Reid has been in shaping the Chiefs organization since his arrival in 2013. He described a hands-on approach beyond game-day coaching. According to Hunt, Reid is trusted with final roster decisions and isn’t afraid to delegate big responsibilities to members of his coaching staff.
Reids partnership with Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach was also highlighted, and how the duo’s partnership has led to three Super Bowl championships and qualifying for the playoffs in all but one year of his 12-year tenure. As rumors continue to circulate about when the 66-year-old will step away from the game, Hunt said he believes that day is not in the near team plans.
After addressing concerns about Reid’s health, Hunt said he envisions the Kansas City coach retaining his role for at least the next five seasons. He also noted that when Reid hangs up his clipboard, the team will take the necessary steps to ensure no leadership falloff in one of the team’s most important roles.
“He certainly seems rejuvenated, I would say, by the success of the team in the last few years and having one of the most special quarterbacks of all time. I have no sense that he has any interest in retiring any time soon, which is fantastic,” said Hunt. “But I think any leader needs to be thinking about succession. Eventually that day will come.”
Reid is the NFLs third-longest-tenured head coach behind John Harbaugh for the Baltimore Ravens, who took the job in 2008, and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who started in 2007. Reid leads all active head coaches with 264 regular-season wins, 86 wins ahead of Tomlin. The Chiefs coach’s postseason achievements are just as good as his regular-season reputation. His 26-16 playoff record is the highest among active coaches.
Apart from three Super Bowl titles, Reid has also clinched four AFC Championships, earned eight AFC West titles, and achieved ten playoff berths beyond the Wild Card round. He’s won the Maxwell NFL Coach of the Year Award four times, twice with the Chiefs and two with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reid appeared on the Rich Eisen show in March and shared his reason for not retiring after winning back-to-back Super Bowls. He credited his parents’ philosophy about their retirement after they advised him that a gut feeling would confirm the decision.
“Bill [Belichick]’s not coaching anymore and Pete [Carroll]’s not coaching anymore, so I’m the next-oldest guy, so I’m getting asked that question every five minutes, and that’s not where I’m at right now,” said Reid. “I don’t feel that way, that I need to retire right now.”
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