Andy Reid honored for promoting coaching diversity

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 6: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to the sidelines just before the Tennessee Titans run the last play of the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 6: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to the sidelines just before the Tennessee Titans run the last play of the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images) /
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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid received an award for his ongoing contributions to promoting diversity in coaching in the NFL.

The National Football League recently honored Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid with a Game Ball Award from the Fritz Pollard Alliance for his ongoing support and advocacy for diversity in the coaching ranks.

The Fritz Pollard Alliance works to promote career opportunities for minorities across the National Football League, not just in the coaching ranks, and Reid has been praised for his work across the board in helping to promote the work. He was rewarded when Reid was recently in Indianapolis to also attend the 2018 NFL Combine.

"“I am so honored to be here, this is awesome, and to have the opportunity to get this nice trophy is just icing on the cake,” Reid said. “This is really what it’s all about and why we’re all in this business. We’re all in this thing to be teachers and to help people in their life along the way. I’m grateful for the Fritz Pollard Alliance and the great job that they do.”"

Several current head coaches owe a tip of the cap to Reid for employing them along the way, including Todd Bowles of the New York Jets, Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers and former Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier. The Chiefs also promoted Eric Bieniemy to offensive coordinator this offseason, which bodes well for his potential as a future head coach given the rate at which the rest of the league seems to poach his offensive assistants.

During Reid’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team has also taken part in the Bill Wash Diversity Coaching Fellowship, which provides a stipend for several former players or coaching hopefuls to learn during the NFL preseason from a veteran coach. This last year, Michael Vick took advantage and was able to help mentor the Chiefs quarterbacks like Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes, who both spoke glowingly of the former NFL star. Such opportunities provide some access and experience for those who might want to continue on a coaching path for their post-playing career.