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Chiefs Lose Coach After Missing NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 5:01 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have missed the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. For Mahomes, this is the first time in his nine-year career that he will not be taking part in the postseason. Kansas City finished the season with a 6-11 record, losing its last six games. This unwanted development comes after the Chiefs have won three Super Bowls in the last seven years.

Mahomes faced a lot of issues on offense this past season. There was an apparent lack of potent weapons for the two-time NFL MVP.

The Chiefs’ rushing attack left a lot to be desired this past season. They finished 25th in the NFL in total rushing yards (1,812) and tied for 18th in rushing touchdowns (15). Isiah Pacheco, their top running back, registered 118 carries for 462 yards and one TD.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

There have already been significant changes in Andy Reid’s coaching staff just weeks into the offseason. The Chiefs fired wide receivers coach Connor Embree. They have also parted ways with defensive quality coach Louie Addazio. Defensive line coach Alex Whittingham, on the other hand, has left the team to join his dad, Kyle Whittingham, as part of the Michigan Wolverines’ coaching staff.

The Chiefs lost another coach on Thursday. Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reported that running back coach Todd Pinkston is no longer with the team.

I can confirm that Todd Pinkston is no longer with the Chiefs as running backs coach. Defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio has also departed for a position at UNLV. @SamMcDowell11 had it first.

That's in addition to the departures of WR coach Conner Embree & assistant…
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) January 15, 2026

Pinkston, 48, joined the Chiefs in 2023 as the team’s running backs coach. He was part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run that season.

Pinkston was a former NFL wide receiver for four seasons, having played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins. He played his college football for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Pinkston was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

The Chiefs will now be searching for a new running backs coach ahead of the new season, along with new wide receivers, defensive quality and defensive line coaches. As Derrick indicated in his report, more changes could be coming for Reid’s coaching staff.

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

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