Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Addresses Ejection After Chargers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Andy Reid is heading back to the whiteboard after the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from the playoffs.

The Chiefs will be out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Despite a talented roster led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, Kansas City struggled all season.

In a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15, a brutal hit on wide receiver Tyquan Thornton led to an ejection by the league office.

During the second half of the Chiefs' game in Week 15, Thornton was close-lined by Chargers safety Tony Jefferson.

Jefferson delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Thornton, leading to his disqualification from the game.

After the game, Reid discussed the ejection and the play made on Thornton.

"The league, they took care of it... It was one of those kinds of hits," Reid said.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on the Tyquan Thornton hit: "The league, they took care of it... It was one of those kinds of hits."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 14, 2025

Tony Jefferson will now await a potential fine from the league.

While the NFL gameday operations will review the play, Jefferson will almost certainly receive a financial punishment given the immediate decision from the NFL to eject the Los Angeles Chargers safety in Week 15.

The potential fine will likely be announced ahead of the Sunday gameday slate in Week 16, set to drop on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. ET.

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid speaks to the press.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs now have three games remaining on the regular season schedule. Kansas City will play the following teams to finish the season: the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.

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

More must-reads: