Will Derrick Johnson accept Andy Reid’s invitation to become a Chiefs coach?

Now that Derrick Johnson’s retirement is official from the Kansas City Chiefs, will he join them in an official capacity on the sidelines?

Andy Reid didn’t coach Derrick Johnson for very long relative to the length of each person’s career, but what’s clear is that the head coach of  the Kansas City Chiefs holds a tremendous amount of respect for the legendary linebacker.

Last offseason, Reid made several glowing statements about Johnson after news leaked that the team was going to officially move on from the franchise leader in tackles.

"“This is one of my favorite guys I’ve ever coached,” Reid said. “I’m pulling for him that maybe (another playing gig) happens for him in the future, but I told him if it doesn’t, just come back and he can start his coaching career. He’s a top-notch kid.”"

Johnson originally stated that he felt he had several seasons left in him at the professional level. Unfortunately, a stint with the Oakland Raiders lasted half a season before Jon Gruden and company decided to let him. Johnson sat on the free agent market for the rest of the year. This offseason he made it official and will step away from the field permanently.

Does this mean that Chiefs Kingdom will now see the start of DJ’s coaching career. A player who has been around since the 2005 NFL Draft likely has a lot to bring to the table. He’s played for rookie head coaches and one of the best active coaches in the NFL. He’s endured a myriad of defensive coordinators, some good and some bad, and he’s endured his own career ups and downs after getting benched by Todd Haley and going through a very serious injury with the Achilles tear.

Johnson knows the pressures of being a first round pick. He’s made four Pro Bowl teams and even won a Pro Bowl MVP award. He’s been an asset in coverage and he’s gone after the passer. More importantly, he’s been a standout on and off the field for well over a decade in a league that chews up players and spits them out after a couple seasons on average.

Johnson would be an instant fan favorite as an assistant linebackers coach—a great story as a player-turned-coach to help set the tone for these new Chiefs. Right now, Steve Spagnuolo already has his coaching staff set up but maybe everyone would be willing to make room for one more assistant—one man who has already given so much to Chiefs Kingdom.