The Kansas City Chiefs have missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. It was a season few saw coming, with the Chiefs finishing 6-11 after making the Super Bowl in each of the previous three seasons. However, a year like this signals that change is coming to the coaching staff.
The Chiefs’ offense did not produce the season many hoped for, which is why offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will likely not return to Kansas City. Nagy’s contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, and the Chiefs are set to begin their search for a new offensive coordinator.
Former Chiefs QB Shares Thoughts on Potential OC
The Chiefs will be searching for a new offensive coordinator this offseason, and former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith shared his thoughts on who the team might target. Smith joined Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” to discuss the Chiefs’ next steps.
“Oh, I wouldn’t be shocked if they bring (Mike) Kafka back… Andy (Reid) just rarely brings somebody outside of his circle,” Smith said.
Alex Smith shuts the door on taking the Chiefs OC job with reports that Matt Nagy is “expected to leave”…
And looks for Andy Reid to bring in familiar face Mike Kafka 👀@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/6H1yq6Tbg9
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 13, 2026
The Chiefs’ offense appeared to grow stale this past season, and a new voice could help rejuvenate the unit. Mike Kafka served as the New York Giants’ interim head coach this season and has a long-standing relationship with Reid. Kafka was the Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach from 2018 to 2021 and also played quarterback under Reid in 2011 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Smith noted that Reid runs the offense and calls the plays, meaning the offensive coordinator role in Kansas City may not be especially enticing. Still, it will be interesting to see whether the Chiefs turn to a Reid disciple or look outside his coaching tree.
Chiefs Hoping to Revive Dynasty
The Chiefs are hoping this past season was an anomaly. They still have quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL. His return timeline remains unclear, though there is optimism he could be back within the first month of the season, if not sooner. Kansas City should also have a full season from wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was suspended for the first six games of last season.
Offensively, the Chiefs need to become far more explosive and establish a consistent run game. Last season, they ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 106.6 and 25th in rushing attempts per game at 25.3. According to PFSN, the Chiefs posted an average offensive performance, ranking 17th in the league with a PFSN Offense Impact Score of 74.3.
Kansas City would benefit from an upgraded scheme, and even with Reid calling the plays, the new offensive coordinator will likely play a key role in shaping how the offense functions moving forward.
