Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Alex Smith Announces Decision on Joining Chiefs Coaching Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 3:05 PM ET

Alex Smith became one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL during his 16-year career. The former Utah Utes quarterback was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the majority of his career.

After eight seasons in the Bay Area and losing his starting quarterback role to Colin Kaepernick, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2013 season in exchange for multiple draft picks. He went on to serve as the team’s starter for five seasons before being replaced yet again by future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Smith later finished his playing career with the Washington Redskins/Football Team before retiring in 2021.

But following his retirement, Smith has stayed close to the football world, joining ESPN as an analyst on shows such as "Sunday NFL Countdown" and "First Take." And with the 2025 NFL season coming to an end, Smith has seen his name pop up in coaching rumors, specifically for one of his former teams.

Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (87) and former quarterback Alex Smith (11) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Andy Reid and the Chiefs endured a disappointing season, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, when Smith was the team’s starting quarterback. Following the down year, Kansas City has begun making coaching changes, with assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham, wide receivers coach Connor Embree and defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio already departing.

Even offensive coordinator Matt Nagy could be potentially leaving Reid's staff, already lining up numerous head-coaching interviews with the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.

On Tuesday, Smith appeared on the talk show “Up & Adams,” hosted by Kay Adams, to discuss Kansas City’s coaching changes. When Adams mentioned that Smith’s name had surfaced as a potential replacement for Nagy, he was quick to dismiss the possibility of joining Reid’s staff.

"No way," Smith said. "No. It's so hard, my kids. I got 14, 12, 9. You take that job, it's like 'see you in five years.' You know, it's hard... I love Matt, that's my guy, I love Matt, but no."

Smith also added that he "wouldn't be shocked" if the Chiefs brought New York Giants interim coach Mike Kafka back, who spent five years on Reid's staff from 2017 to 2021.

Alex Smith shuts the door on taking the Chiefs OC job with reports that Matt Nagy is "expected to leave"...

And looks for Andy Reid to bring in familiar face Mike Kafka @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/6H1yq6Tbg9
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 13, 2026

While the Chiefs will undergo some major coaching changes, they could see big changes to the roster as well, especially with tight end Travis Kelce potentially retiring during the offseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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