Andy Reid’s choice for defensive coordinator will reflect his evolution as coach

The Chiefs are in need of a new defensive coordinator, and who Andy Reid selects to lead the unit will speak volumes about the legendary coach’s evolution.

Step back in time for a moment. It is February 2nd, 2011. After relieving defensive coordinator Sean McDermott of his duties after a 10-6 season, Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles announce Juan Castillo as the new defensive coordinator. 

Reid is undoubtedly one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history. As he prepares for the 2019 NFL season, where he will likely eclipse 200 total wins as a head coach, Reid is faced with a decision that could cement his legacy and a place in Canton—or leave the coach muddled with uncertainty without a championship win to his name.

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When the Kansas City Chiefs hired Andy Reid to lead the red and gold back in 2013, a certain reputation preceded him. Reid, as successful as he was in Philadelphia, was known to repeat certain errors. Abandoning the run game, poor clock management, and uninspiringly vague press conference were part and parcel with Big Red.

Amidst that reputation came Andy’s unwavering faithfulness to his staff. Nearly as impressive as Coach Reid’s win-loss record over his career is the number of head coaches he has developed. In 2018, 25 percent of the NFL’s head coaches had worked under Reid at some point in their career.

Reid’s faithfulness has proven to be a double-edged sword. Coach Reid is known for sticking with his guys, promoting from within, and enduring the growing pains of young coordinators and assistants. While this approach has its merits, it has proven troublesome for Reid before.

Back to 2011. Castillo lasted six games as the defensive coordinator for the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles. Reid took responsibility for his mistake, putting a trusted assistant in a position he was not likely to succeed in.

As the Chiefs defense tumbled down the league rankings over the last three seasons, Chiefs Kingdom began to wonder if Reid was once more leaning on his loyalties despite obvious deficiencies. There were plenty who expected Bob Sutton to be calling the defensive plays next season for Kansas City.

Less than 48 hours after the Chiefs fell to the Patriots in the AFC Championship, Andy Reid and the Chiefs ousted Bob Sutton.

There will be plenty of speculation between now and the time Reid and General Manager Brett Veach announce their choice. Experienced names like Rex Ryan, Steve Spagnuolo, and Dennis Allen have already been suggested by some.

Other names, coaches without NFL coordinator experience have been mentioned. Chris Hewitt from Baltimore is a name to keep an eye on. Chiefs outside linebacker coach Mike Smith has been mentioned as a potential in-house candidate.

It has been a while since there have been any time management blunders on the Kansas City sidelines. The Chief still managed to churn out productive running backs even as the NFL as whole trends toward airing it out. Reid has even found a sense of humor and transparency in his press conferences. He has subtly shed the blemishes on his otherwise stellar resume.

Reid’s choice for the franchise’s defensive coordinator represents a chance to evolve, the opportunity to show that he will not let loyalty triumph over legacy. It also gives him the best chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Will Reid look to say in his comfort zone and bring someone up from within the ranks or even phone up an old friend? Or will the legendary coach stretch himself beyond familiarity and find a defensive coach to compliment Reid and the potent Kansas City offense?

Time will tell, but there is reason to have confidence that Reid is going to make the right choice. Reid knows what is at stake, and is hungry for a championship. The Kansas City faithful are behind Reid and their Chiefs, and they’re all hoping that the old dog has enough in him to learn a new trick.