Why the Andy Reid coaching tree is so prominent once more for the Chiefs and how it came to be

Twenty-five years ago last week, the Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move by hiring Andy Reid, who lacked experience as an NFL coordinator or head coach. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Reid’s impressive interview, highlighted by an extensive notebook detailing potential coaching hires, won over Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and executive vice-president Joe Banner. Reid’s foresight proved prophetic, as eight of the 11 individuals who worked for him in that first Eagles staff eventually became NFL head coaches, including Super Bowl winners Doug Pederson and John Harbaugh.

In the current postseason, several of Reid’s proteges, now head coaches of other teams, are in contention. This includes Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills, who faces Reid’s Chiefs. Reid has a remarkable track record against his former assistants, boasting a 21-9 overall record and a perfect 4-0 record in postseason matchups. The article explores how Reid’s influence extends beyond his offensive innovations and success with Patrick Mahomes, delving into his impact on the coaching landscape.

One notable example is McDermott, who started as a scouting administrative assistant for Reid before working his way up. The article emphasizes the unique role of an “assistant to the head coach” in Reid’s coaching tree, where individuals like McDermott gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience. Despite being fired by Reid after the 2010 season, McDermott remains grateful for the opportunities Reid provided. The article concludes by highlighting Reid’s emphasis on dealing with people and taking care of players, showcasing how his coaching legacy extends beyond wins and losses.