How Chiefs Should Feel About Early Offseason Start

In past years, the Kansas City Chiefs would be preparing for a playoff game, striving for another conference championship game appearance. Obviously, that is not the case this season, as the Chiefs failed to reach the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 6-11 record, losing Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending ACL tear in the process.

With how the season unfolded, Kansas City's offseason plans have been expedited, as the front office and coaching staff have begun their preparations for next season. That was evident by the handful of changes Andy Reid has made to his coaching staff in recent weeks.

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

While this season was a disappointment, a potential reset could be in the best interest of the Chiefs, who have been playing prolonged seasons with multiple postseason runs to the Super Bowl. This offseason presents opportunities for Kansas City's front office to explore options that were not considered under different circumstances. Mahomes' uncertain status for 2026 is a reason for Kansas City potentially reconsidering its plans ahead of next season.

With all that being said, here is how the Chiefs should feel about the start of this offseason, as the team heads into a complicated time frame in its history.

How Kansas City Has Handled Offensive Coordinator Search

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (left) and head coach Andy Reid against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The way in which Reid and the Chiefs have conducted themselves during this process has been lackluster and disappointing. Kansas City's offense has been stuck in the mud over the last few years, and a change was inevitable, as Matt Nagy was on an expiring contract and was interviewing for several head coach vacancies around the league.

It had been known for a while that the 47-year-old coach was on his way out of Kansas City at the conclusion of the season. Yet Kansas City's hiring process was slow-moving and lacked urgency. That made sense after seeing the Chiefs request to interview Chicago Bears running back Eric Bieniemy shortly after Chicago's exit in the divisional round.

Refusing to consider options outside of his coaching tree shows Reid's reluctance to expand the offense and change the scheme that has been figured out by defensive coordinators around the league.

How the NFL Draft Could Fall for the Chiefs

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Kahlil Benson (67) attempts to block Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) in the first half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

We are still months away from the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving a lot to unfold until then. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore's decision to return for another season did not help Kansas City's hopes of a premier player slipping to it at No. 9.

Additionally, one of those players who had been viewed as a legitimate option for the Chiefs in the first round is Miami Hurricanes pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Unfortunately for Kansas City, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound edge rusher was utterly dominant against the Indiana Hoosiers on Monday night, cementing himself as a potential top-five pick in this year's draft.

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