Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Chiefs Lose Coach After Three Super Bowl Wins

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 7:23 AM ET

Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs looked to end their 2025 NFL season on a positive note in Week 18, hitting the road to face the AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders in the regular-season finale. The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 17, increasing their losing streak to five.

Entering Week 18, the Chiefs sat at 6-10 and had been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. To make matters worse, quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, ending his season. And with tight end Travis Kelce, 36, potentially nearing retirement, Kansas City is facing what NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport described as a “substantial roster reboot,” one that began even before the Week 18 finale.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid before an NFL gameMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Alex Whittingham is finishing up his eighth season with the Chiefs in 2025, serving as the assistant defensive line coach for the first time. But prior to this season, Whittingham served as a defensive assistant in 2018 and 2024, and a defensive quality control coach from 2019 to 2023. He also helped Kansas City win three Super Bowls in five seasons.

But after nearly a decade on Reid’s staff, Whittingham decided it was time for a change. And over the weekend, it was revealed that Whittingham will join the Michigan Wolverines football team as the linebackers coach. He will be working alongside his father, Kyle Whittingham, who was hired to replace former head coach Sherrone Moore, let go for violating university policies.

"Michigan has announced its full defensive/special teams staff under Kyle Whittingham," On3's Anthony Broome wrote on X. "It includes his son, Alex Whittingham, who was part of five Super Bowl appearances with the Chiefs. He'll coach the linebackers."

Michigan has announced its full defensive/special teams staff under Kyle Whittingham.

It includes his son, Alex Whittignham, who was part of five Super Bowl appearances with the Chiefs. He'll coach the linebackers.https://t.co/sR9u09op5p pic.twitter.com/wepnmKQN7u
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) January 3, 2026

Following Whittingham’s departure, Reid could also see offensive coordinator Matt Nagy move on, as his contract is set to expire and he has drawn head coaching interest around the NFL, according to Rapoport and Pelissero. For now, the Chiefs will turn their attention to the Week 18 matchup against the Raiders on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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

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