NFL News: Andy Reid – Kansas City’s New Guy

Chief Andy Reid

– via NFL.com –.
The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t waste any time.

Just one hour after the team announced they parted ways with general manager Scott Pioli, NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports that the Chiefs reached an agreement to make Andy Reid the team’s head coach, according to source with knowledge of the contract. The contract is being reviewed.

Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt took control of the interview process early and zeroed in on Reid at a time that many expected Reid to land with the Arizona Cardinals.

It’s not hard to see why Kansas City was attractive to Reid. The Chiefs had five Pro Bowlers despite a two-win season. They play in a weak division with a strong fan base and an ownership with a history of respect in the NFL. Most importantly, they can offer Reid what they offered Pioli: Control.

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt reports that Reid got everything he wanted from the Chiefs, including full personnel control. The presence of Chiefs President Mark Donovan was also a big factor. Reid will be able to shape the organization in his image. He is expected to bring a general manager or personnel director that he’s familiar with so they can work together in lockstep. But make no mistake: Reid will be in charge.

It’s not surprising that Reid got a job quickly, even though you could argue he did less with more talent over the last few years than any head coach in the NFL. Reid looks like a coach that was in desperate need of a fresh start. He brings an entire organized way of doing things to Kansas City with him. You aren’t just hiring Reid, but an entire philosophy.

That philosophy crumbled over the last few years in Philadelphia, but it worked well enough to make the playoffs nine times in 14 seasons. The Chiefs, who haven’t won a playoff game since 1993, would be happy to find that level of success in Kansas City.

Hunt entrusted all facets of his organization to Pioli just four years ago. Now the Chiefs will do the same thing with Reid.