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After Kansas City traded up 17 spots for Patrick Mahomes, I didn’t give the Chiefs coach Andy Reid credit for his ability to develop quarterbacks. I wish I had a better explanation other than this - I am a Dallas Cowboys fan and when I think of Andy Reid I think of Michael Vick and everything I despise about Philly. Seeing Reid in red still looks strange. The NFC East rivalry runs deep, so bare with me.
I didn’t stop to think about what he has accomplished within his professional coaching career. While he was the coach for the Eagles from 1999–2012, he led them to five NFC championship games as well as a Super Bowl appearance in 2004. Also, I forgot he was the executive vice president of operations for Philly from 2001–2012, meaning he knows a thing or two about evaluating, recruiting, acquiring and developing athletes for an NFL franchise.
Before Philly, Reid was hired as an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers, which evolved into being named the quarterbacks coach. He also has quality playing experience on the field at BYU as an offensive tackle.
During his Eagles era, he drafted dual-threat quarterback Donovan McNabb with the No. 2 overall pick. It definitely slipped my mind how Reid had to manage wide receiver Terrell Owens' elaborate persona. If anyone understands that, it should be me. Reid compiled the best win total with 120 and playoff victory total with 10 in team history. He won six division titles.
During his first year in Kansas City, Reid led the Chiefs to a 9-0 record tying for the best start in franchise history. The Chiefs finished with an 11-5 record, clinching a Wild Card spot in the AFC playoffs. Reid finished the 2014 season in winning fashion as well with a 9-7 record. After a rocky start to the 2015 season, Kansas City finished with an 11-5 record and a Wild Card spot in the AFC playoffs.
And his 2016 season turned out even better for the Chiefs finishing with a 12-4 record and clinching the AFC West title for the first time since 2010. Nine of Andy Reid’s assistant coaches have gone on to become head coaches in the NFL.
I regret the doubt that I had in Andy Reid developing Patrick Mahomes into an advanced pro quarterback. My inner Drew Pearson aided in my bias. Please accept my apology.