Growing up in the small town of Trenton, Missouri, you only cheer for one team, “1,000% Kansas City Chiefs.” And Andy Hill took every chance, even as a kid, to get closer to them. His parents took him to Arrowhead when he was young. He was there in 2019 when the KC fans saw their home team win 35-24 over the visiting Tennessee Titans to grab the AFC West title. In fact, as a student-athlete at University of Missouri, he “made it to the last cut” to join their NFL training camps along with Carlos Carson, Stephone Paige, and Henry Marshall. While he couldn’t make a long run, he found himself back a little West of his hometown as HC Andy Reid appointed him as KC’s Assistant Special Teams Coach. But his connection to the Chiefs? That was old.

As Hill sat down for his hour-long introductory interview, he explained why he was in his basement– “Dave Toub, before he got hired by Andy Reid in Philadelphia, was finishing out my basement.” Yep, the same Chiefs Special Teams Coach Dave Toub, who was once a student under Hill in the 1900s. The same Dave Toub who he will now be re-uniting and working along with in the KC special teams locker room.

He has many more stories to weave his life story with the Kansas City Chiefs he led for five seasons, bringing 2 Super Bowl wins in 4 appearances definitely stands out. But what hits deeper is his connections with Patrick Mahomes and more on the roster. Casual fans might not know Hill’s name but his impact echoes in every Chiefs victory. Yesterday, he announced his retirement. The reaction from those who did know him? Pure, unfiltered Kingdom love, tinged with the sadness of an era ending.

Tough-as-nails corner Joshua Williams posted on his Instagram story: “I would shed a tear if I wasn’t so tough. @ahill84” — a sentiment dripping with respect earned on the practice field and in the film room. Even special teams’ demon Jack Cochrane kept it succinct and powerful: “the 🐐 @ahill84.” And with this, soon the farewell rally reached every Chiefs’ gate, resulting in more KC men joining their teammates in the tribute.

Long snapper James Winchester, the metronome of the unit, added: “The best to do it! There’s only one Andy Hill @ahill84.” These weren’t just goodbye posts; they were testaments to a coach who made the “third phase” championship caliber.

Hill himself retweeted the Chiefs’ official tribute, adding his heartfelt note: “Thank you @Chiefs — Coach Andy Reid and Dave Toub and the wonderful coaches and players that I was honored to be a small part of such a class organization — top to bottom the best in the NFL! Our family says THANK YOU! 🙏”

For context, Hill’s five-year run (2020–2024) was nothing short of legendary. A 65–18 regular-season record (78.31% win rate), 13–3 playoff mark (81.25%), four AFC titles, and two Super Bowl rings (LVII & LVIII).

His journey was pure Missouri grit: a Trenton kid who bled red and gold, a Mizzou walk-on receiver turned Hall-of-Fame college coach, who finally got his NFL shot with his childhood team under Andy Reid and Dave Toub. Hill’s units delivered iconic moments: Damien Williams’ punt block sparking a comeback, Skyy Moore’s clutch AFC Championship return, and Justin Reid stuffing a fake punt. He was the steady hand behind the scenes. But for Patrick Mahomes, Hill was a helpful mentor.

Life won’t be the same for Patrick Mahomes

Sure, Mahomes doesn’t take direct snaps from Andy Hill. The coach wasn’t drawing up plays for the QB wizard. But to think Hill’s departure doesn’t ripple through Mahomes’ world is to fundamentally misunderstand football chess. Think of Hill as the guy constantly re-setting the board in Kansas City’s favor. His units — the unsung heroes — dictated field position like master conductors. A coffin-corner punt pinning opponents deep? That’s Mahomes starting a drive near midfield instead of his own 20.

A clutch kick return flipping momentum after a score? That’s Mahomes getting the ball back with a surge of energy. A perfectly executed onside kick recovery? That’s Mahomes handed an extra possession in a tight game.

Hill’s special teams were the silent partners in Mahomes’ greatest escapes and most dominant performances. He was like the wind beneath the wings of the offense. With Hill gone, that intricate, reliable machinery needs recalibration. Mahomes might not call Hill’s phone for advice. But he’ll feel the absence of consistently elite field position and momentum control. The hidden excellence era just ended!

The Chiefs, true to their “One Heartbeat” ethos and Andy Reid’s famed coaching tree, promote from within. Stepping into Hill’s role is Porter Ellett, moving up from assistant running backs coach. Ellett, Reid’s resilient “left-hand man” for eight seasons (three rings, 99 regular-season wins), embodies the next wave. But replacing the quiet, deep-rooted expertise of Andy Hill, the guy who helped make their “special teams extra special?” That’s a different kind of challenge. For Mahomes and the Chiefs, the field just got a little longer.