Challenges in the Life of Andy Reid in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Andy Reid. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Andy Reid is a highly successful American football coach, currently the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Previously, he coached the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2012, also serving as their executive VP of football operations during that period. Notably, Reid is the only NFL coach to achieve 100 wins with two different franchises. He also stands alone in appearing in four consecutive conference championships with two separate teams. Reid is widely regarded as one of the NFL's greatest coaches.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2005: Difficult Season for Reid

The 2005 season was a difficult one for Reid due to issues with Terrell Owens and a season-ending injury to Donovan McNabb, though he did become the winningest coach in Eagles history.

2006: Eagles Had Rollercoaster Campaign

In 2006, Reid coached backup quarterback Jeff Garcia, leading the 5–6 Eagles to victories over NFC rivals and winning the NFC East division title after McNabb's injury.

2006: Largest Comeback in a Conference Championship

In 2006, the Indianapolis Colts had the largest comeback in a conference championship. The 2021 Kansas City Chiefs tied that record.

2007: Eagles 8-8 Season

In the 2007 season, Reid led the Eagles to an 8–8 season, failing to make the postseason.

2009: Eagles Eliminated in Wild Card Round

In the 2009 season, Reid failed to win a first-round post-season game for the first time in his career, with the Eagles being eliminated by the Dallas Cowboys.

2011: Eagles Missed Playoffs

In the 2011 season, Reid led the Eagles to an 8–8 season and failed to make the playoffs.

August 5, 2012: Death of Garrett Reid

On August 5, 2012, Reid's oldest son, Garrett, died of a heroin overdose.

2012: Fired by the Eagles

After the 2012 season, Reid was fired as the Eagles' head coach due to the team missing the postseason for a second consecutive year.

2012: Eagles Had Worst Record of Reid's Tenure

In the 2012 season, Reid and the Eagles struggled to a 4–12 record, the worst of his head coaching tenure, and missed the postseason for the first time in consecutive years under Reid.

December 31, 2012: Reid's Contract Not Renewed by Eagles

On December 31, 2012, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie announced that Reid's contract would not be renewed, ending his tenure as the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL at that time.

2015: First Losing Record Since 2015

In 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs did not have a losing record until the start of the 2021 season

2017: Chiefs Win First Five Games, Clinch AFC West

In 2017, the Chiefs started the season strong, winning their first five games, including a victory against the New England Patriots. They finished 10-6, clinching the AFC West, but lost in the Wild Card Round to the Tennessee Titans after leading 21-3 at halftime.

2018: Chiefs Achieve AFC Top Seed, End Home Playoff Losing Streak

In 2018, aided by Patrick Mahomes' MVP season, the Chiefs finished as the AFC's top seed for the first time since 1997, matching 2016's 12-4 record. They ended their home playoff losing streak, defeating the Indianapolis Colts, but lost the AFC Championship to the New England Patriots in overtime.

2020: Chiefs Secure Playoff Berth, Reach Super Bowl LV

In 2020, Reid signed a contract extension with the Chiefs. The team finished with a league-best 14-2 record, securing the AFC's top seed and advancing to Super Bowl LV. However, they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9.

2021: Reid Achieves 100 Wins with Two Franchises

In 2021, Reid became the first NFL head coach to win 100 games with two different franchises. The Chiefs started 3-4 but recovered to clinch the AFC West and advance to their fourth consecutive AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

2021: Britt Reid's Suspension

In 2021, Reid's son, Britt, was suspended and not offered a new contract after a DWI car accident causing severe injuries to a five-year-old girl.

2024: Reid Leads Chiefs to Third Consecutive Super Bowl Appearance

In the 2024 season, Reid led the Chiefs to a franchise-record 15 wins in the regular season, earning a first-round bye. They reached their third consecutive Super Bowl but lost against his former team.