Can Andy Reid do it again?
Can the former coach of the Philadelphia Eagles take another franchise and rebuild it into a champion?
Hired Monday as the new coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, Reid hopes to revive a franchise that was once the talk of the AFC, a terror that used to give the Vince Lombardi Green Bay Packers a run for their money.
The Chiefs have made two Super Bowl apperances, just like the Eagles.
But they've already won a Super Bowl, something the Birds still have never done.
Reid built a sound resume during his 14-year tenure as Eagles coach. He can count off numerous NFC East crowns, playoff appearances and lots of visits to the NFC Championship Game.
He took the Birds to the Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots. (Only the New York Giants seem to be able to beat the Pats in the Super Bowl.)
Around the league, Reid has a strong reputation as a winner. The fan base in Kansas City is thrilled. (I watched his press conference on video stream and everyone seems excited about the possibilities in KC.)
Big Red in Red.
Reid even joked at his press conference that he needs to find the next Len Dawson, the greatest quarterback in team history. (Keep in mind, this is also a team where Joe Montana wrapped up his career.)
Eagles legendary coach Dick Vermeil made a stop to coach in KC as well. But Reid is being called upon to take the worst team in the NFL this year and transform it like he did the Eagles 14 years ago.
That's a tough task, especially with what Reid went through the past few years with the Birds.
But Reid does have some things going for him.
First off, he's got the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. He's also got some solid players on defense, something that was missing in Philly.
Reid also has a top running back in Pro Bowler Jamaal Charles, although we all know that Reid really doesn't run the ball.
The key will be who Reid chooses for his coaching staff. His last few staffs have killed the Birds. Also, a general manager needs to be selected.
Peyton Manning won't play forever in Denver. And San Diego is on the downturn. Oakland is terrible.
So Reid may have a golden opportunity.
Don't be surprised if Reid -- having all the power -- turns the Chiefs into a perennial playoff contender.
Then to Football Obscurity!!!
Long term though, Reid will have do to a better job drafting and making those free agent roster additions than he was doing here in Philly the last couple of years. If he hasn't learned his lesson, he won't be in Kansas City very long!
just like in Philly.... He just doesn't get it....
And the Chicago Bears. As for Andy Reid's probability for success in KC? They'll likely finish last in the division next season. This is not a team like the Colts, going from having the #1 to making the playoffs the following year, and Reid is not the coach to make something like that happen. He will have 3 seasons to get this team above .500 (less if he takes a step forward only to take a step back in his second season). They need a starting QB. They need help at WR. They need O-Line help. Their defense IS solid, but as previously mentioned so was the Eagles D when Reid first took over. Big Red is in trouble. He may have taken the first job offer to come his way, but it wasn't the best situation for him. He would have been much better off in Arizona (or San Diego if they wanted him).