Kansas City, MO – May 17, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs are quietly preparing for a future without Andy Reid, with Jon Gruden emerging as a top candidate to succeed the legendary coach, sources confirmed. As Reid, 67, eyes potential retirement, the Chiefs’ shortlist also includes Mike McCarthy and other notable names.
Gruden, 61, a Super Bowl champion with the Buccaneers, brings a fiery offensive mind. His 117-112 record and recent Chiefs camp visits alongside Reid spark intrigue. “Jon’s passion is unmatched,” GM Brett Veach said, noting their 30-year friendship from Green Bay. Gruden’s Raiders tenure adds AFC West savvy, though his 2021 email scandal remains a hurdle.
Mike McCarthy, 61, boasts a 147-94 record and a Super Bowl ring with the Packers. Fresh off a 2024 Cowboys exit, his play-calling expertise could sustain Kansas City’s high-octane offense. “Mike’s a proven winner,” Reid said, per sources. However, his conservative style may clash with Patrick Mahomes’ dynamic play.
Other candidates include Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, whose innovative schemes fueled three Super Bowl runs, and Lions coordinator Ben Johnson, a rising star with a 70% pass-completion offense. Both offer fresh perspectives but lack head-coaching experience. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, a Chiefs veteran, rounds out the list with his three Super Bowl titles.
The Chiefs’ draft—Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith—signals youth, but Reid’s exit would test the $12.7 million cap. With Travis Kelce and Amari Cooper bolstering the roster, the next coach inherits a powerhouse.
Chiefs Kingdom buzzes with speculation. As the 2025 Super Bowl looms, Gruden and McCarthy’s names fuel debate, promising a bold new era for Kansas City’s dynasty.
