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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Makes Request Amid NFL Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 5:39 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for lots of change this offseason after going 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They have already parted ways with two offensive coaches , while offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is out of contract and conducting interviews with several NFL teams in need of a head coach.

Nagy worked with quarterback Patrick Mahomes for two of his three Super Bowl-winning seasons, but the 2025 NFL season represented regression. Mahomes passed for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games while posting the worst completion percentage (62.7 percent) of his career. As a team, the Chiefs finished with the lowest ranking in total offense (20th in the NFL) and scoring (21st) of any season since Mahomes became the starter.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Houston Texans.© Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

In his first press conference since suffering a season-ending knee injury, Mahomes was asked what he would like to see in a new offensive coordinator if Nagy did not return to the Chiefs next season. The two-time NFL MVP painted a clear picture of his ideal coach.

"For me, I just want someone that loves football, that cares about football, that wants to give everything they can to win, to hold people accountable and then to bring new ideas every single day," Mahomes said. "I think that's something we have to continue to do if you want to continue to be great in this league is you have to continue to evolve."

Patrick Mahomes on what he would like to see from a potential new Offensive Coordinator. "I just want someone that loves football, that cares about football, that wants to do everything they can to win, to hold people accountable and to bring new ideas every single day." #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/voCxExbzHx
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) January 15, 2026

More accountability was the main change that Mahomes requested next season, regardless of whether or not Nagy is his offensive coordinator in 2026.

“I want to get back to that winning culture of being accountable to each other,” Mahomes emphasized.

The Chiefs quarterback admitted "obviously, there's some names out there," but he did not identify any candidates specifically. Mahomes assured that he has faith in head coach Andy Reid to make the best decision on a replacement if Nagy gets a job elsewhere this offseason.

Multiple coaches who have worked with Mahomes previously have been floated as possible Nagy replacements. Kliff Kingsbury, Mahomes' head coach at Texas Tech, has been linked to the Chiefs since being let go by the Washington Commanders.

Two of Reid's former offensive assistants, Eric Bienemy and Mike Kafka, were identified as candidates this month by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Whatever direction Kansas City decides to go in next season, they know exactly what their franchise QB is looking for.

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

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