qq “I will not go out like this.”Andy Reid’s emotional message has reignited belief across Chiefs Kingdom — and Kansas City is rallying behind him once again.
KANSAS CITY, MO — As the Kansas City Chiefs endure one of the most painful seasons in franchise history, legendary head coach Andy Reid has delivered a powerful message that has Chiefs Kingdom fighting back tears and rallying around their beloved coach.
After a devastating 2025 campaign that saw the Chiefs start 0-2 for the first time since 2014, lose Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL in Week 15, and get eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in over a decade Chicago Bears, Reid stood before the media with emotion in his voice and fire still burning in his eyes.
“THE RESPONSIBILITY RESTS WITH ME”
In his latest press conference following the Chiefs’ 6-10 season — their first losing record since 2012 Chicago Bears — Coach Reid did what true leaders do: he took full accountability.
“I take full responsibility for the results on the field,” Reid said, his voice steady but heavy with emotion. “My job is to ensure the players are as prepared as possible, physically and mentally, to win. We haven’t done that consistently this year, and that is my fault, not theirs.”
The 67-year-old coaching legend pointed to the critical issues that plagued Kansas City all season: “It’s a few plays here and there. Penalties, turnovers, third-down efficiency, and pressure. That’s what it is” ABC7 Chicago.
These statements carry even more weight considering the Chiefs have a +73 point differential — fourth in the AFC and seventh in the NFL — yet finished well outside the playoff picture ABC7 Chicago. The numbers suggest they should’ve been much better, and Reid knows it.
A SEASON OF HEARTBREAK
The 2025 season has been nothing short of catastrophic for a franchise that had reached three consecutive Super Bowls:
Started 0-2, including a devastating Super Bowl LIX loss to Philadelphia that began a three-game losing streak for Mahomes — the first of his career Chicago Bears
Rashee Rice served a six-game suspension for his role in a high-speed car crash, Xavier Worthy suffered a shoulder injury in Week 1, and Isiah Pacheco went down with another injury Chicago Sun-Times
Went 1-6 in one-score games after going 11-0 in such games the previous season ABC7 Chicago
Lost Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL on the first play after the two-minute warning in Week 15 against the Chargers — ending his season and any remaining hope Chicago Bears
Backup Gardner Minshew also injured his knee in Week 16, forcing third-string QB Chris Oladokun into action Chicago BearsEliminated from AFC West title contention for the first time since 2015 — the first time in the Mahomes-Reid era without a division title Chicago Bears
“I AIN’T GOING OUT LIKE THIS”
But here’s where Andy Reid showed why he’s a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Reid has made it clear to those inside the Chiefs organization that he WILL return in 2026 Sports Illustrated. The legendary coach refuses to let this nightmare season be his final chapter.
“We are not here to look for excuses,” Reid stated with conviction. “We are here to win. The fighting spirit is still intact in this locker room. We have champions here, and we know how to overcome adversity.”
One benefit of this losing season: Reid will finally have a full offseason to recharge his batteries after years of deep playoff runs Sports Illustrated.
WHAT WENT WRONG? THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE
Despite Kansas City ranking second in scoring offense and 10th in scoring defense on a per-drive basis, critical breakdowns cost them game after game ABC7 Chicago:
The Problems:
- Chiefs are tied for 10th with 86 penalties — including multiple costly pass interference calls ABC7 Chicago
- 26th in defensive takeaways despite a +2 turnover differential ABC7 Chicago
- 43.0% third-down defense (26th in NFL) — couldn’t get off the field ABC7 Chicago
- Middle-of-the-pack 22.1% pressure rate on opposing QBs ABC7 Chicago
“Games are won and lost on the fringes,” Reid admitted. “We simply didn’t have that in our favor this year.”
A HEARTFELT APPEAL TO CHIEFS KINGDOM
Finally, Coach Reid delivered a sincere message to Chiefs fans, who have experienced unimaginable disappointment after three straight Super Bowl appearances:
“We understand your frustration. We feel it every single day,” Reid said, his voice cracking slightly. “But we need your support right now more than ever. This isn’t how our story ends. We will fight with all we have to build this back, and we hope you will stand alongside us on this journey.”
Reid, who has led the Chiefs to 11 playoff appearances in 12 seasons, nine consecutive division titles (2015-2023), and three Super Bowl championships Windy City Gridiron, knows what it takes to rebuild.
CHIEFS KINGDOM RESPONDS
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly supportive:
“Big Red took us from irrelevance to DYNASTY. One bad year doesn’t change that. We ride with Andy FOREVER.”
“13-1 after the bye, 22-4 overall in his career. Trust the process. We’ll be back.”
“He gave us Mahomes, Kelce, three rings, and the best era in franchise history. We’re not going anywhere, Coach!”
“2026 revenge tour starts NOW. Chiefs Kingdom stands with Big Red!”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR KANSAS CITY?
This will be Reid’s worst season in Kansas City since his 2013 arrival, but fans are pushing for a high draft pick to reload for 2026 Chicago Tribune.
If there are major coaching staff losses, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is expected to be “a top coaching candidate” for various openings around the league Sports Illustrated.
But one thing is certain: Andy Reid “ain’t going out like this” Sports Illustrated.
With Patrick Mahomes expected to return healthy, a potential top-10 draft pick, and a coaching staff determined to prove 2025 was an anomaly, the Chiefs are positioning themselves for what could be one of the great comeback stories in NFL history.
The message from Andy Reid is clear: This isn’t the end. This is just the fuel for what comes next.
Chiefs Kingdom — are you ready to run it back with Big Red in 2026? Drop a if you’re standing with Andy Reid no matter what!
Once a Chief, ALWAYS a Chief.
