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5 Shocking Truths About Who *Really* Calls Plays For The Kansas City Chiefs (It’s Not Just Andy Reid)

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The simple, definitive answer to the question "Does Andy Reid call plays?" is a resounding yes, but the full truth is far more complex and involves a fascinating dynamic with his offensive coordinator and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As of the 2025 NFL season, Head Coach Andy Reid remains the Chiefs' primary offensive play-caller, a role he has held for virtually his entire coaching career in Kansas City. This process, however, is a sophisticated, three-way conversation that is constantly evolving, with recent adjustments to his play-calling style sparking curiosity among fans and analysts alike. This article will break down the exact play-calling process, the crucial role of Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy, and the subtle ways the future Hall of Fame coach has adapted his legendary system to keep the Chiefs' offense ahead of the curve, especially following a season where his play-calling was noted to be "restricted" at times.

The Definitive Chiefs Play-Calling Process: A Three-Man System

The Kansas City Chiefs’ explosive offense is not solely the product of one man's genius; it's a collaborative effort, but Andy Reid always has the final, authoritative word on the play that is relayed to the field. He is widely considered one of the best play-callers in the entire National Football League, known for his West Coast Offense roots and ability to exploit defensive rules.

1. Andy Reid: The Architect and Final Voice

The core of the Chiefs' offensive strategy rests squarely on Andy Reid's shoulders. He is the one who chooses the play from his laminated call sheet and decides what the team will run in any given situation. * Final Decision: Reid makes the ultimate call on every offensive down. * Game Plan Mastermind: While his offensive coordinator is responsible for the offensive scheme and weekly game plan, Reid is heavily involved in the design and installation of the plays. * In-Game Adjustments: His genius lies in his ability to understand defensive tendencies and make instantaneous adjustments, often leading to perfect play calls in critical, close moments of a game.

2. Matt Nagy: The Crucial Relayer

Since returning to the role of Offensive Coordinator, Matt Nagy has served a vital function in the play-calling structure, though he is not the primary play-caller. * The Go-Between: Nagy's main job is to relay Reid’s play call to quarterback Patrick Mahomes through the helmet communication system. * Dialogue and Input: While Reid calls the play, Nagy is in constant dialogue with him throughout the game, offering suggestions, observations from the booth, and feedback on what the defense is showing. * Scheme Development: Nagy is heavily involved in the weekly game planning, ensuring the offensive scheme is ready to be executed, even if Reid is the one selecting the specific play on Sunday.

3. Patrick Mahomes: The On-Field Commander

Patrick Mahomes is more than just a quarterback; he is an extension of Andy Reid on the field. The play call is often a collaborative effort that starts with Reid and ends with Mahomes' execution and potential adjustments at the line of scrimmage. * Pre-Snap Autonomy: Mahomes has significant freedom to check out of a play or adjust the protection based on the defensive look. * Collaborative Dialogue: Former Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy described the process as a dialogue, where Reid, the OC, and Mahomes are all communicating and offering input, but Reid's authority is clear. * Simplification: In the 2024 season, Reid made a conscious decision to reduce the complexity and amount of words in the play calls to help the offense get back on track, a move that directly benefitted Mahomes and the entire unit.

How Andy Reid’s Play-Calling Evolved in the Recent Seasons

The Chiefs' 2024 Super Bowl victory, despite an at-times "lackluster" regular season, highlighted a fascinating shift in Reid's approach. The narrative that Reid's play-calling was "restricted" or different in the previous season has led to significant speculation about his strategy moving forward into 2025.

The Shift to "Less is More"

One of the key changes observed in the 2024 season was a move towards simplification. Reid is known for his massive, diverse playbook, but the team's mid-season struggles prompted him to streamline the verbiage and concepts. This strategic move helped the team regain its offensive rhythm and proved that even a seasoned Super Bowl-winning coach is willing to adapt his core play-calling philosophy for the sake of the team.

The Run-Pass Option (RPO) Strategy

A hallmark of Reid's modern offense is the heavy utilization of the Run-Pass Option (RPO). While Reid has historically favored a pass-heavy approach, his incorporation of RPOs is designed to counter specific defensive strategies, such as lighter boxes and two-high safety shells. * League Leader in RPOs: The Chiefs have been among the league leaders in RPO calls, demonstrating Reid's commitment to modern, flexible play-calling. * Flexibility: The RPO allows Mahomes to read the defense at the line and make the final decision to hand off or throw, giving the offense a critical advantage.

The Legacy of "Big Red" and Offensive Innovation

Andy Reid’s reputation as an offensive innovator precedes him. His ability to design plays that attack defensive weaknesses is why he is consistently ranked among the top play-callers in the league. His tenure in Kansas City, marked by multiple Super Bowl titles, is a testament to his ability to not only call plays but to build an entire offensive culture. The play-calling process is a complex, multi-layered system, but the entity that holds the ultimate authority is Andy Reid. While Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy and Quarterback Patrick Mahomes play crucial roles in relaying, suggesting, and executing, the final decision on whether to run a 'Jet Sweep' or a 'Shallow Cross' always comes down to "Big Red." As the Chiefs look forward, the success of the offense will continue to hinge on Reid’s ability to adapt his legendary play-calling to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, ensuring that his unit remains one of the most feared in the league.
does andy reid call plays
does andy reid call plays

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