The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the NFL’s gold-standard franchises, but this season has had its problems. The reigning AFC champions remain among the league elite, but their inconsistent offense and injuries have led to questions about whether they can continue their reign in 2025. But if we are to believe the executives, it’s Andy Reid all the way.

Even with those obstacles, league sources insist the Chiefs’ foundation is too strong to be disregarded. The combination of quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ brilliance and head coach Andy Reid’s traditional approach continues to be a source of admiration across front offices in the league.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic had stated that a league executive stands firm in their opinion that Kansas City is still built for the long term. He mentioned how the Chiefs’ front office operates under Reid, saying: “They all speak the same language and know what the coaches want.” That unity, the executive continued, is a trait that allows Kansas City to slide in young players and yet expect immediate dividends.

Surely not all draft picks have worked out, but officials note the Chiefs’ record looks even better when considering where they typically pick. With last-rounders, Kansas City has still found core contributors. In 2021, they acquired linebacker Nick Bolton and center Creed Humphrey in the second round, then struck gold with right guard Trey Smith in the sixth.

He continued to explain: “They obviously crushed the Mahomes pick, which is an all-time great one, and he is just so good that he can cover other things. With all these successful teams, that’s what people don’t realize. When you are successful every year, having to pick at the end of each round, the talent is drained. Yet, they are still finding players and culture fits.”

Before the 2025 season began, former NFL general manager Jon Robinson, who worked a decade putting together rosters in New England and Tennessee, said it on NFL Network, too. Robinson was not shy: “Until you beat the man, you can’t be the man. These guys are the champs (of the AFC) and until somebody beats them, they’re still the champs. I think you have the best quarterback in the game in Patrick, and the best head coach in the game in Andy Reid.”

Robinson highlighted Kansas City’s ongoing commitment to building around Patrick Mahomes. He praised the signing of offensive tackle Josh Simmons, the speed and playmaking of receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, rookie Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice, and emphasized that veteran tight end Travis Kelce continues to lead with his championship mindset, even if his skill set contrasts with the younger, faster players..

Reid’s formula for sustained success

Kansas City’s prolonged success is not by design; it is the product of Andy Reid’s leadership and Brett Veach’s personnel assessment. The stability within the franchise goes back to former-GM John Dorsey, who drafted Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Kelce. Under Veach since 2017, he has continued where Dorsey left off, maintaining organizational standards sharpened that were acquired under Reid while refining the scouting process.

That process has become one of the most respected in the league. The Chiefs’ draft room runs on a model of deliberate thought, and coaches and scouts work together. That working together has created a culture where every pick isn’t just talent-grabbing, it’s a search for players who fit into Reid’s system and Kansas City’s culture.

The proof is for everyone to see. The Chiefs dominated the AFC West division nine years in a row and enter 2025 on the hunt for a tenth. Despite turnover and restocking the line, they are again likely to be one of the toughest teams in the league. Seven prime-time games on the schedule show the popularity and consistency of Mahomes’ magnetism, but of the franchise Reid has built.

The Chiefs’ formula is simple but difficult to replicate: draft smart, leave coaches alone, and allow Reid to take the calls. The league may study it, but only the Chiefs have figured it out. Even after a season in which cracks have appeared, insiders still think the Chiefs will find a way to keep their grip on the AFC.