Summer Interview Series: Andy Reid on Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and retirement

Summary

Scoop City: A Show About the NFL

Episode: Summer Interview Series: Andy Reid on Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Retirement
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Hosts: Dianna Russini & Chase Daniel

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Introduction

In this standout episode of Scoop City, host Chase Daniel revisits one of his favorite conversations—the inaugural interview with the legendary Kansas City Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid. The discussion delves deep into Reid's philosophies on leadership, fostering a winning culture, quarterback dynamics, and his thoughts on retirement. This long-form summary captures the essence of their engaging dialogue, enriched with notable quotes and structured insights.

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1. Building a Winning Culture

Timestamp: [02:41] – [04:48]

Andy Reid emphasizes the evolution of the Chiefs' team culture, highlighting the transition from foundational leadership to peer-driven motivation. He notes:

“I think the urgency level's still up. It's probably presented differently. I think that's still there. The guys are hungry.”
— Andy Reid (02:52)

Reid credits veteran players like Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and Bobby Bolden for fostering internal competition and sustaining the team's high standards. This peer-driven approach reduces the need for constant external encouragement from the coaching staff, allowing the team's leaders to naturally inspire their teammates.

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2. Leadership Focus: Player Development Over Fundamentals

Timestamp: [03:33] – [04:48]

Transitioning from establishing fundamentals to enhancing individual player skills, Reid compares coaching to farming:

“Being a player is like being a farmer... you can always work fundamental techniques, and I think that that's probably where most of the effort goes.”
— Andy Reid (03:44)

He shares anecdotes about legendary players like Reggie White and Brett Favre, emphasizing the importance of continually pushing players to exceed their own capabilities. Reid focuses on providing tailored insights and new strategies to keep players engaged and evolving, ensuring they remain at the top of their game.

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3. Streamlined Communication: The Five-Minute Meeting Philosophy

Timestamp: [04:49] – [06:15]

Challenged by questions about the Chiefs' notably brief team meetings, Reid explains his philosophy of efficiency:

“You don't want the players to go, man, I heard the same thing over and over. I'd rather just get in, get out, give them what they need.”
— Andy Reid (05:29)

Having experienced the drawbacks of lengthy meetings as a player, Reid instituted a policy of concise, purpose-driven meetings. This approach respects players' time and maintains their focus, fostering a productive environment where players can absorb information without feeling bogged down by repetitive discussions.

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4. Managing the NFL Grind and Player Health

Timestamp: [06:15] – [07:30]

Addressing the physical and mental toll of consecutive high-stakes seasons, Reid discusses his methods for player recovery and team sustainability:

“I give them a little bit of time off after the Super Bowl... I encourage them, get out of this building and go.”
— Andy Reid (06:38)

Reid ensures that players receive adequate rest periods post-championship runs and during the offseason, enabling them to recuperate and spend quality time with their families. This balance aids in preventing burnout and maintains peak performance levels throughout the demanding NFL schedule.

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5. Handling Stardom: Travis Kelce’s Global Attention

Timestamp: [07:11] – [09:03]

With Travis Kelce garnering unprecedented global attention, Reid shares his strategies for managing the spotlight on his star player:

“I think he probably loves it to a point... He can handle it.”
— Andy Reid (07:30)

Reid highlights Kelce's ability to balance his on-field prowess with personal life, ensuring that the attention doesn't overshadow his performance or well-being. By fostering a supportive environment both within and outside the team, Reid helps Kelce navigate the complexities of fame while maintaining his focus on the game.

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6. Embracing Team Popularity and Player Lifestyle Changes

Timestamp: [08:33] – [09:55]

Discussing the Chiefs' rise to becoming the most popular NFL team, Reid reflects on the cultural shifts within the team dynamics:

“I grew up in Hollywood, so, I mean, I'm okay with it.”
— Andy Reid (09:03)

Reid acknowledges the allure of Hollywood and the changes it brings but remains grounded by emphasizing the importance of readiness and hard work. Training camp serves as a "proving ground" to ensure that despite the team's fame, the players remain committed to excellence and the team's core values.

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7. Mentorship and the Impact on Patrick Mahomes

Timestamp: [09:55] – [11:46]

Reid sheds light on the pivotal role mentorship plays in developing star quarterbacks, specifically Patrick Mahomes:

“I never asked Alex to be his mentor... he took it from there.”
— Andy Reid (10:27)

Reid discusses how mentorship emerged organically, with experienced players like Alex Smith guiding Mahomes. This mentorship extended beyond the field, encompassing aspects like diet, study habits, and family life, thereby shaping Mahomes into the exceptional player he is today.

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8. Backup Players and Their Crucial Roles

Timestamp: [11:13] – [13:25]

Highlighting the importance of strong backups, Reid elaborates on the selection and impact of players like Chad Henne:

“He was a great sounding board for Patrick.”
— Andy Reid (11:46)

Reid credits backups for not only their on-field contributions but also their role in providing honest feedback and strategic insights to starting players. This robust support system ensures that even when starters are unavailable, the team maintains its competitive edge.

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9. Setting Ambitious Goals: The Three-Peat Aspirations

Timestamp: [12:23] – [13:25]

When confronted with the team's ambition to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl title, Reid shares his pragmatic outlook:

“I don't think it's healthy... they're putting it out there.”
— Andy Reid (12:54)

While recognizing the enthusiasm and drive of his players, Reid stresses the importance of focusing on the present moment and the necessary steps to achieve success. He encourages his team to remain grounded and committed to the process, ensuring that their aspirations are built on solid foundations.

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10. Reflections on Coaching Career and Future Plans

Timestamp: [15:00] – [16:36]

In a candid discussion about his longevity in coaching, Reid muses on the concept of retirement:

“I don't know when it is. And it's, this is a great place to coach and I've got good players... we'll see where it all.”
— Andy Reid (15:44)

Reid acknowledges that retirement is a personal decision, influenced by his passion for coaching and the strong relationships he's built with his players. As his current contract extends into his early seventies, Reid remains open-ended about his future, prioritizing the team's success and his continued contribution to the sport.

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Conclusion

This insightful episode of Scoop City offers a rare glimpse into Andy Reid's coaching philosophy and his adept handling of team dynamics, player development, and personal aspirations. Through his thoughtful responses and transparent dialogue, Reid conveys the intricate balance required to sustain excellence in the high-pressure environment of the NFL. Whether you're a die-hard Chiefs fan or an NFL enthusiast, this conversation provides invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

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Notable Quotes Recap

• Andy Reid on Team Urgency:
  “I think the urgency level's still up... They present a challenge for each other, and I think it's healthy, it's good for.”
  — Andy Reid (02:52)

• On Coaching Philosophy:
  “Being a player is like being a farmer... I try to stand right behind the quarterbacks, and I still do then.”
  — Andy Reid (03:44)

• Managing Meetings:
  “I'd rather just get in, get out, give them what they need. I couldn't stand meetings when I was playing.”
  — Andy Reid (05:29)

• Player Recovery:
  “I give them a little bit of time off after the Super Bowl... I encourage them, get out of this building and go.”
  — Andy Reid (06:38)

• Handling Travis Kelce’s Stardom:
  “He can handle it. It’s not something that he hasn't been given that he can't handle.”
  — Andy Reid (07:30)

• On Team Popularity:
  “I grew up in Hollywood, so, I mean, I'm okay with it.”
  — Andy Reid (09:03)

• Mentorship Dynamics:
  “I never asked Alex to be his mentor. That's not where it went.”
  — Andy Reid (10:27)

• Backup Player Importance:
  “He was a great sounding board for Patrick.”
  — Andy Reid (11:46)

• Ambitious Goals:
  “They're putting it out there. I can take care of that part.”
  — Andy Reid (13:25)

• On Retirement:
  “I don't know when it is. And it's, this is a great place to coach and I've got good players... we'll see where it all.”
  — Andy Reid (15:44)

---

Note: Timestamps correspond to the positions within the provided transcript and are indicative of where each topic is discussed.

Transcript

[Raj Panjabi]

When it comes to your business, every second counts. From mega factories to mom and pop shops, Ericsson helps tens of thousands of companies around the world build powerful connections every day. Power your business with our connectivity and communication solutions. The invisible advantage driving your growth. Visit [e-mail] Power that's E R I C S S O N hi, I'm Raj Panjabi from HuffPost.

[Noah Michelson]

And I'm Noah Michelson, also from HuffPost.

[Raj Panjabi]

And we're the hosts of Am I Doing It Wrong? A new podcast that explores the all too human anxieties we have about trying to get our lives right.

[Noah Michelson]

Each week on the podcast, Raj and I pick a new topic that we want to understand better and bring a guest expert on to talk us through how to get it right.

[Raj Panjabi]

And we're talking like legit credible experts, doctors, PhDs all around.

[Noah Michelson]

Superheroes from HuffPost and Acast Studios. Check out Am I Doing It Wrong? Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

You know that feeling when a girl who gets it gives you a genuine compliment? Suddenly you're strutting through the streets, sending motivational voice notes to the group chat, manifesting a new man. That's the Tresemme Lamellar gloss effect, babe. It's an unstoppable kind of confidence reserved only for the real girls. Girls. And now we've bottled it. We're talking shampoo, conditioner, leave in cream, shine spray and a finishing oil that's seriously too glossy to gatekeep. So 72 hours of salon level shine. That's gloss that gives girl. And it's available everywhere. So go out there, get glossy and give gloss with Tresemme's new Lamellar Gloss Collect.

[Chase Daniel]

Welcome to Scoop City. I'm Chase Daniel. Don't forget to like and subscribe for the latest Scoop. This holiday week on Scoop, it's going to be a little bit different than our normal show, but don't worry, we will be back next week with a full wrap up of OTAs, more inside stories and get you ready for your team's return to mandatory minicamp. In the meantime, we're looking back on some of our favorite episodes and this one might be my favorite conversation we've had on Scoop. It was our very first episode. We sat down with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and we talked a little bit about leadership, building a winning culture, and of course, a little quarterback play as well. Enjoy some big Red. We'll see you next week right here on Scoop City.

[Unknown]

How you doing?

You doing all right? So good to see you.

Thanks for joining us. Yes Ready to get out of here or what?

Yeah.

[Chase Daniel]

Driving in for me and Diana, especially for me. You guys are full on Dynasty mode, in my opinion. No, you don't like to talk about it a lot, but what has changed?

[Unknown]

I think the urgency level's still up. It's probably presented differently. I think that's still there. The guys are hungry. I think you just have. You have so many more players that are coming back that have been here and coming back that they kind of take that. And rather than me having to do all of the encouraging for the competition, they're doing it. And, you know, whether it's Pat or Travis or who's been here the whole time. Travis, you know, Chris Jones, Bolden, these guys, they present a challenge for each other, and I think it's healthy, it's good for. But it's different than when I first got here and you first got here.

Since you don't have to put so much effort into instilling the fundamentals of what you want this to be, because you've got these team leaders. What are you putting all your effort into now at this point in your career?

Being a player is like being a farmer. The worst I've ever done, and likewise with coaches, but you can always work fundamental techniques, and I think that that's probably where most of the effort goes. And then try to give them new things to keep. Keep their minds active and. And where they don't get bored with the same old plays over and over again, try to find new things. Great players. I was around Reggie White early in my NFL career and Brett Favre, and they were great players, arguably two of the best to play the game. And all they wanted from a. From a coach's standpoint, give me one more thing that even helps me be greater than. Than what I already am. So as a coach, you know, you go, all right, I'm gonna go find that nugget and try to give it to him. Now. It doesn't just have to be Reggie. I mean, and he knows. I mean, I try to stand right behind the quarterbacks, and I still do then. And just make sure that we're right. And. And I think they appreciate that. So that's kind of where my effort goes.

Where are you getting this from?

I've got great coaches that. That help grab things from different places. And if I have an idea, I'll throw it in there along with them. And listen, we get it from anywhere. We'll take it from high school. I've taken it from a janitor, wherever Whoever and whatever, man. I'm a. I'm a day players that'll come up with some great stuff. I mean, this guy here was unbelievable with stuff. So, you know, you come up with great stuff, we'll sneak it in and go. He should have been a coach, but I know he's big time.

[Chase Daniel]

Oh, come on.

[Unknown]

Big podcaster.

[Raj Panjabi]

Now.

[Chase Daniel]

We talk a lot about, and I've talked a lot about them and they couldn't believe this, but, like, your team meetings are five minutes long, and the longest meeting you have of the year is that training camp meeting which you're going to get ready to go down. Why the five minute meetings?

[Unknown]

Well, you get to year 10 and 12 and where we're sitting here so they. You don't want the players to go, man, I heard the same thing over and over. I'd rather just get in, get out, give them what they need. I couldn't stand meetings when I was playing. Long meetings driving me crazy. So I said, if I ever have an opportunity to be a head coach, it's going to be short, it's going to be sweet to the point. And that's kind of how we've. We've kept it. You know what you get, though? You know, you mentioned about players helping players. You can compete and win if the coach is teaching the player. You get the players teaching the players, man. Now you can really go and compete for championship. So that's. That's where our guys are right now.

[Chase Daniel]

You know, you talk about the grind. Well, I'm talking about the grind of the NFL season, right? You guys have been to so many straight AFC championship games, won your third Super Bowl. I mean, that's a season and a half of extra games, wear and tear. And, you know, Travis at the beginning of the year was a little bit banged up. He got healthy down the stretch, had an amazing Super Bowl. How do you handle that?

[Unknown]

I enjoy doing what I do. I think the coaches do. But when given an opportunity to get away, let's get away. I give them a little bit of time off after the super bowl. And then there's another little break in there from. For spring break where they can take their kids and go someplace and I encourage them, get out of this building and go. And then I'm able to hang with Veech and we do the personnel stuff. I mean, he, if he needs a coach around, I can be the coach that starts off the free agency. The other guys can get out of here, you know, and try to enjoy their families.

Chase brought up Travis's Year, last year. And we obviously all know he. He's managing so much, and there's been so much attention on him. Even for you, you've never coached a player to get this much attention worldly around the world. How have you been managing that, knowing that everyone's got all their eyes on your star player?

Yeah, well, I think it's great for him. He can handle it. Matter of fact, I think he probably loves it to a point. I think there's a great escape for him. I said that about Taylor, too. I mean, she comes to the game, she can kind of escape having to be the show, and Travis can do that. And when he goes to her concerts, she's the star, and he can be hanging out there and be the support of the water boy, you know, so he can do that.

But just for you, though, seeing this, like, what was that like from your perspective? Because everyone was looking at this, like, this is bonkers.

Yeah. No, I think it depends on the people involved, I think. So she. She gets all that, and he's kind of grown into it. That podcast of theirs is ridiculous. So he's gotten a lot of notoriety for that. And he's an outgoing guy. I mean, he comes into a room, he's gonna light the room up, and everybody's his best friend. Until you prove him wrong, everybody's a friend. And so he can handle it. It's not something that he hasn't been given that he can't handle.

Here's the one thing, though, that Chase has shared with me, and I know this from just talking to guys around the league. As kind and gentle as you come across, you run a tight ship around here. That being said, you guys are the most popular team in the NFL right now, and your guys have gone a little Hollywood, and I say that as a compliment because they've had so much success. Naturally, I would think you don't love it because that's just not sort of where you come from, the space that you were built or you built everything around. How are you handling all of this, knowing that the guys are a little different than they were, let's say, 10 years ago?

Yeah, I'm. Listen, I'm okay with it. I grew up in Hollywood, so, I mean, I'm okay with it. You know, the guys, as long as they. They're ready to go. Yeah. And. And so training camp is kind of that proving ground. If you're not ready to go, it's going to be obvious quickly. And just from the. Whether it's a conditioning test or the long drive drills that we do, I mean, those things are. You're going to find out who's in and who. Who's not in and who's put their time to get, you know, in. So, and. And then hard work has a tendency to. You're not worried about being super bowl champs or any of that. You're worried about getting through that moment and it builds something. Something in you. You know, that's the nitty gritty, as you'd say of it all. It's. It brings you right back to ground you. Brings you right back to earth there.

[Chase Daniel]

The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. This year. They signed Kirk Cousins, $100 million guaranteed. Alex was here when you guys drafted Patrick Mahomes and you guys jumped in front of Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints. I was there with the Saints, and it was very well talked about, like they were going to take them, give a little insight into that relationship and how much Alex played a part within Patrick's routine and going from day to day and how he's really been able to be the player he is today. Because I think that's fascinating.

[Unknown]

Yeah, sure. Well, you know, I never asked Alex to be his mentor. That's not where it went. It was Alex just doing it because he's a good dude. So he took it. Yeah, he took it from there. But I told him, just go have the best year you've ever had. Don't worry about anything else. And he ended up having his best year. At the same time, he let Pat into his world, so he let him into that training, his diet, his study habits, being a family man. They'd go out to dinner, wife would go, and then he'd meet the kids and see how Alex handled the kids. I thought he was a great example for how to be a professional football player for him. Yeah.

[Chase Daniel]

And I think too, as you can tell, I mean, 15 or 16 of NFL starters have gone down this year. I know you guys and Veech and yourself really prioritize the backup. When Patrick was going to be starting, he went from zero touchdowns to 50 touchdowns in his first year. But that backup starter relationship was very big for you. When I was in the building with Alex, how did you guys decide on a guy like Chad Henney who ended up being here and being one of the best things? In my opinion, that's really shaped Patrick's career.

[Unknown]

Yeah, well, he won games, too, for us on top of all that. But he was great with Patrick. I mean, he was older. Yeah. And he knew that he was Coming down towards the end of his career, he understood the role. He'd be another one that would be a great coach if he chose to go that direction. So he. And he was honest. He was an honest guy. Yeah. So you get a guy that's throwing 50 touchdowns in a season, you can pat him on the back, tell him how great you. You know, Chad's gonna tell him, hey, that was a great job. But on this play, you stunk, and this is what you've got to do. So he was a great sounding board for Patrick.

I think the players have been really bold about the three peat. I remember walking off the field in Vegas with Travis, and, you know, we did the typical. What's going through your mind? How you feeling? He said, we're going for three, baby. I'm like, three.

What?

What are you talking about? It still hadn't even registered to me that you just won and you're already thinking about the next. The next. So your players, Patrick, obviously, all your leaders have been really bold about this being the goal. They're putting it out there. How do you feel about putting out? Hey, everyone, we're going for three.

Yeah, I. I don't think it's. It's not. Not healthy. I mean, it's a. It's a nice goal to put out there. It's hard to get one.

Yeah.

And so these guys have busted their tail to get one, they busted their tail to get two. And so the bottom line is, again, I come back to that training camp thing that grounds you. You have to do this, this, and this to even think about getting to there. And so they've got to go through the process, and I can take care of that part. And if they keep thinking that we're going to do great things, more power to them.

I know I shared with you privately that I came across a great parenting video about managing emotions in my toddler. As I'm trying to deal with my kids, they're two in one. I'm not sure if I'm great at this, but I'm trying hard, and I'm trying to learn and get better.

[Chase Daniel]

And.

[Unknown]

And the example that I saw in. In this, from this therapist was how you manage Travis in the super bowl when the emotions were at the highest. And the therapist's point was, you did the right thing. You walked away because you understood what was happening in the moment from your perspective, what was going through your mind, and did you purposely walk away?

Yeah. Well, Ian, I have a unique relationship, so it's, you know, that's not the time of the place. He was upset that I took him out of the game. So, I mean, he, he, but he had a good fourth quarter so I could come back to him. I knew he was gonna, I knew he's gonna have a good fourth quarter so I could come back to him later and go, yeah, he played pretty good that second. You know, he made a good point. Yeah. But I mean, I love his enthusiasm. I love the, you know, the want to be in there. I understand how he's wired and I've had my moments where I've gotten after him. And, and so I, I get it. I mean, I, I get it. I've, you know, five kids and 13 grandkids. I kind of get that thing and, and how it goes now. You know, he caught me off balance. That's, that wasn't a good thing. You know, he got, I can imagine.

[Chase Daniel]

The behind the scenes conversation after that. Yeah, well, because I've seen it.

[Unknown]

He knows.

[Chase Daniel]

How long are you going to coach? Because every year for the past three years, it seems like these retirement rooms, no clue, honestly, where they come from. We see you in State Farm commercials, we hear you got another one coming out like the, like, you just seem, in my opinion, knowing who you are, at the depth of you, you seem like you're not slowing down yet. And you just signed a four or five year contract extension, very well deserved. You know, everyone gets these contract extensions and you know, as soon as you win these Super Bowls, you're going to keep getting them. How long do you want to coach?

[Unknown]

Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. I, you know, I remember when my parents retired, I said, how'd you know it was time to retire? I mean, you hit 65 and then you retire. I mean, what is it? And they say you'll just know. You know, you'll know when it, when it's time to go.

And have you been close? Have you been like, you know what, this is it?

Yeah, I really haven't thought about it. I mean, I enjoy doing what I'm doing. I know that. I know I'm on the bottom side of this thing and not on the top side of it. So it's, it's coming, but I don't know when it is. And it's, this is a great place to coach and I've got good players and, you know, so I'll be 71 at the end of this contract and that seems like really old. And so we'll, we'll see, See where it all.

[Raj Panjabi]

When it comes to your business. Every second counts. From mega factories to mom and pop shops, Ericsson helps tens of thousands of companies around the world build powerful connections every day. Power your business with our connectivity and communication solutions. The invisible advantage driving your growth. Visit [e-mail] Power that's E-R-I C-S-S O N.com Power hi, I'm Raj Panjabi from HuffPost.

[Noah Michelson]

And I'm Noah Michelson, also from HuffPost.

[Raj Panjabi]

And we're the hosts of Am I Doing It Wrong? A new podcast that explores the all too human anxieties we have about trying to get our lives right.

[Noah Michelson]

Each week on the podcast, Raj and I pick a new topic that we want to understand better and bring a guest expert on to talk us through how to get it right.

[Raj Panjabi]

And we're talking like legit, credible experts, doctors, PhDs all around.

[Noah Michelson]

Superheroes from Huckpost and Acast Studios. Check out Am I Doing It Wrong? Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

You know that feeling when a girl who gets it gives you a genuine compliment? Suddenly you're strutting through the streets, sending motivational voice notes to the group chat, manifesting a new man. That's the Tresemme Lamellar gloss effect, babe. It's an unstoppable kind of confidence reserved only for the real girls. Girls. And now we've bottled it. We're talking shampoo, conditioner, leave in cream, shine spray and a finishing oil that's seriously too glossy to gatekeep 72 hours of salon level shine. That's gloss that gives girl. And it's available everywhere. So go out there, get glossy and give gloss with Tresemme's new Lamellar gloss collection.