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Andy Reid Makes Travis Kelce Reference Amid Chiefs News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 3:23 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media on Monday to discuss one of the biggest developments so far in the team's offseason. Following a 6-11 season without an NFL playoff appearance, the Chiefs let go of offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and brought back former OC Eric Bieniemy, who worked in Kansas City from 2013 to 2022, as his replacement.

The decision has already drawn positive reviews from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, who won two Super Bowls with Bieniemy as coach. ESPN's Pat McAfee went as far as suggesting that Kelce's reaction to the Bieniemy hire could point to the 36-year-old tight end returning for another season.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images

Less than 10 seconds into Reid's opening statement about Bieniemy in his press conference, the Chiefs coach used a phrase that sounded very similar to one used weekly on Kelce's "New Heights" podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce.

"This isn't new news," Reid said, "but it's good to get him back in the building. We all know the energy that Eric brings."

Andy Reid @newheightshow https://t.co/ERvhKHlSQP pic.twitter.com/4J91jgDZDq
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) January 26, 2026

"New News" is a recurring segment on Kelce's podcast where the two brothers share personal updates, often related to new projects or off-field announcements. Last week, one topic was Jason's decision to join TikTok.

Reid is fully aware of the "New News" bit. He was a guest on a "New Heights" episode in 2023, and the show's X account replied with a clip of him uttering the signature phrase during his appearance.

https://t.co/L6OEwRy8SE pic.twitter.com/moxHxkyimJ
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 26, 2026

There's no telling whether or not Reid was intentionally referencing Kelce, who many NFL fans are curious to get news from regarding his NFL future this offseason. After another Pro Bowl-caliber season with the Chiefs, Kelce is headed into free agency and has not given any clarity on his plans for 2026.

"Who knows?" Kelce said of his potential retirement after the final game of the Chiefs' season. "Either it hits me quick or I've got to take some time. Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kind of give this one [year] a shot. We'll see."

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

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