Is Andy Reid still one of the NFL's best play-callers in 2026?
The Kansas City Chiefs head coach is known for his offensive brilliance. Reid, who has helped lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowls, is widely considered to be one of the best football minds of his generation.
But the Chiefs are coming off a disappointing season in 2025. The Chiefs posted a losing record and missed the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending knee injury in December.
The Chiefs are hoping to rebound in 2026, but how does the rest of the league view Reid heading into the fall?
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The Athletic released its ranking of the NFL's top play-callers heading into the 2026 NFL regular season.
Reid is still considered one of the top 10 in the league, though his status has taken a hit heading into the regular season.
Chiefs coach drops in NFL play-callers ranking
Reid, who has ranked as high as No. 3 on the list, and held the No. 4 spot last year, has dropped down to No. 6 this year.
"Some coaches still consider Reid one of the NFL’s best, and the sentiment is that Reid belongs on this list out of respect, but his system needs an upgrade. The Chiefs finished 12th in offensive DVOA last season after finishing eighth two years in a row before that. The Chiefs’ offensive talent has deteriorated every season since trading Tyreek Hill, but they still have the league’s best quarterback in Patrick Mahomes," The Athletic wrote.
"Mahomes and Reid’s early success led to the defensive meta of teams playing two-deep coverages to limit explosives in the passing game, but Reid hasn’t adjusted enough to take advantage of the light boxes they’re seeing."
Some in the league think Reid is a few years removed from his prime.
“A couple of years ago for sure, he was top five to me. In the past, like, year or two, I think it’s cooled down significantly, to be honest with you,” an NFC defensive coordinator said to The Athletic. ” … I just think that it got a little predictable because they had that carousel of personnel there too. He’s definitely on the fringe of it, out of respect, but I don’t necessarily have the same ‘I’m staying up all night’ feel with him.”
Reid and Co. will look to prove the doubters wrong this fall.
