Andy Reid almost sensationally quit Chiefs after finding out crucial detail about two other NFL coaches

Andy Reid enters a new NFL season aiming for his fourth Super Bowl trophy.

But Travis Kelce isn’t the only big name Chief who’s seriously considered retirement in recent years.

Big Red has been a mastermind for Kansas City, building a dynasty with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and turning the Chiefs into the most dominant team in the AFC.

Kansas City is 143-53 under Reid during the regular season and 18-8 in the playoffs.

The Chiefs have advanced to the AFC Championship game in six consecutive seasons, while Reid has helped turn Mahomes into the NFL‘s replacement for Tom Brady.

Yet it wasn’t that long ago that Reid stared at his paycheck and wondered if something was missing — and if his best answer was simply to walk away from the Chiefs.

Cash is king in the NFL

The AFC West-rival Denver Broncos lured Sean Payton out of retirement in January 2023, signing the former Super Bowl winner with the New Orleans Saints as their new head coach.

A year later, former NCAA national champion Jim Harbaugh left Michigan — and a ton of college controversy — to become the new HC of Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers.

That added two big coaching names to the AFC West in a 12-month period, and Reid suddenly discovered that he was the third-highest paid head coach in his division.

“Andy Reid hinted at retirement a couple of years ago because he was underpaid,” NFL insider Dan Graziano exclusively told talkSPORT.

With Kansas City winning its division year after year and Reid becoming the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ dynasty, the veteran coach realized he had maximum leverage.

He could either receive a new contract — or walk away from the Chiefs and retire from the NFL.

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“You don’t hear that talk anymore,” Graziano said.

That’s because Reid signed a contract extension with the Chiefs on April 22, 2024 — three months after the Chargers pried Harbaugh away from Michigan.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Clark (Hunt) and the entire Hunt family for giving me the opportunity to lead this historic franchise,” Reid said.

“Over the last 11 years, Tammy and I have enjoyed calling Kansas City our home. The community has embraced us, we’ve watched our family grow, including having all 12 grandkids during our time here.

“On the field, there have been so many people that have contributed to our success and Super Bowls, and I’m grateful to the players, coaches and staff that have all invested their time into this process.

“I’d also like to thank my agent, Bob LaMonte. Chiefs Kingdom is a special place and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be here.”

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Why Reid avoided retirement

On a day when Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced that the franchise had also agreed to extensions with team president Mark Donovan and general manager Brett Veach, the biggest story was that Kansas City had secured Reid’s NFL future by paying him what he was worth.

“They said, ‘Yeah, so that’s all taken care of,’ ” Graziano said.

Reid’s new deal made him the highest paid coach in the NFL.

Big Red agreed to a five-year deal worth $100 million, and his average annual value of $20m topped the league.

Payton makes $18m a year with Denver, while Harbaugh is paid $16m a season by the Chargers.

Reid is 273-146-1 all-time in the NFL, which includes 14 years with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 67-year-old from Los Angeles ranks fourth in career coaching victories, only trailing Don Shula (328), George Halas (318) and Bill Belichick (302).

With Belichick out of the NFL and coaching college ball at North Carolina, it’s conceivable that Reid could surpass the former New England Patriots leader in victories in 2027.

Reid and Mahomes are tied together

Graziano believes that Mahomes is committed to the Chiefs, no matter what happens with Kelce’s football future.

One of the best tight ends in history recently became engaged to pop music superstar Taylor Swift.

“He (Mahomes) wants to be there for the rest of his career,” the NFL insider said.

That could keep extending Reid’s time on the pro sideline, despite Big Red realizing a couple years ago that he was underpaid compared to lesser NFL coaches.

“As long as Mahomes is there and healthy and playing well, Andy Reid will be driven,” Graziano said.

“He’s got a chance with a couple more (Super Bowl titles) to maybe be considered the best there ever was.”

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