Patrick Mahomes’ Connection with Head Coach Andy Reid: How They Built an NFL Dynasty
In the NFL, a quarterback and head coach’s relationship can be the difference between a middling team and a dynasty. And no duo exemplifies this better than Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs. In just three seasons together, Mahomes and Reid have built one of the most potent offenses in NFL history, and with two consecutive AFC Championships, they have become one of the most dominant teams in the league. But what exactly is it about their connection that has made them unstoppable?
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that Mahomes and Reid have a deep respect for each other. Mahomes, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2017, was initially behind veteran Alex Smith on the depth chart. However, Reid saw something special in Mahomes, and he traded Smith to the Washington Football Team in 2018 to give the young quarterback his opportunity. Mahomes has never forgotten this, and he frequently praises Reid for being the coach who gave him his shot.
Reid, for his part, recognizes Mahomes’ rare talent and has tailored the Chiefs offense to take advantage of it. He allows Mahomes the freedom to make improvisational plays while also designing a complex set of plays that takes full advantage of the quarterback’s incredible arm strength and mobility. Mahomes has responded with some of the most amazing plays the NFL has ever seen, and he has quickly become one of the most marketable stars in the league.
But the connection between Mahomes and Reid goes beyond just mutual respect. They also share a deep understanding of the game of football. Reid’s coaching philosophy has always been offense-first, and he has long been known for his mastery of the West Coast offense. Mahomes, for his part, grew up in a football family—his father, Pat, was a major league pitcher, and his godfather is former major league player LaTroy Hawkins. Football was in his blood, and he quickly absorbed the lessons his father taught him.
One of those lessons was the importance of studying the game. Mahomes is known for his obsessive film study, and he combines that with an unparalleled work ethic. Reid sees this dedication and responds by providing Mahomes with an ever-expanding playbook and the freedom to create his own plays on the fly. The result is a team that is always one step ahead of the opposition, and a quarterback who is regularly putting up record-breaking stats.
Of course, Mahomes’ success would not be possible without a talented supporting cast. Tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire are just a few of the players who have helped make the Chiefs offense the envy of the league. But at its core, the Chiefs’ success is built on the connection between Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. They share a deep trust and understanding that allows them to execute at the highest level, and barring injury, they look poised to dominate the NFL for years to come.
