The Kansas City Chiefs are likely to undergo many changes entering the 2026 season. This will include differences on both the roster and coaching staff, one would assume. It feels like the Chiefs are poised to have a new offensive coordinator next year.
Sure, Matt Nagy could still be on board, due to the loyalty Andy Reid has shown throughout his career. There is enough evidence that adjustments are necessary on that side of the ball. Those adjustments would not include Nagy sticking around. But even beyond that, there is one particular team rumored to have heavy interest in Nagy as a head coaching candidate in this upcoming cycle. That makes sense, given the previous ties with the Chiefs’ front office, which led to the current Tennessee Titans general manager, Mike Borgonzi.
Nothing is official yet regarding Nagy’s status. However, there are many different names to watch for or keep in mind as a potential replacement at offensive coordinator. Here are seven names that could make sense in that role.
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka is the only name listed here who possesses previous ties to Coach Reid. Currently the interim head coach of the New York Giants, Kafka has been with the Giants for four seasons now. He served as offensive coordinator from 2022–23. In 2024–25, he assumed both offensive coordinator and assistant head coach roles. That was before the firing of head coach Brian Daboll earlier this season.
Kafka was with the Chiefs from 2017–21. After starting as an offensive quality control coach, he rose through the ranks to quarterbacks coach and eventually passing game coordinator with Kansas City.
Patrick Mahomes has already accomplished so much in his career. But with Kafka working under Daboll the last few seasons, he could potentially import new ideas that Daboll utilized with other quarterbacks. People can complain about Daboll’s head coaching tenure all they want, but at the NFL level, he worked with Josh Allen and was on the New England Patriots when Tom Brady was there. That vast history of quarterback play had to have further impacted Kafka after working with Daboll. And obviously, his past experience with Reid will carry major weight and comfort for Kansas City’s head coach.
Mike McDaniel
It could still end up that Mike McDaniel is retained as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach going into 2026. It was a rocky start to 2025, but then the team played harder and strung together an impressive win streak. Miami was just embarrassed by the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, though. Recent reports about McDaniel’s job security are uncertain at best.
It would not even be surprising if another team wanted to hire him as a head coach if he became available. But for the Chiefs, this could be a dream opportunity at offensive coordinator if Miami lets him go.
McDaniel was the run game coordinator for four years under Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers. He was then elevated to offensive coordinator during his final year in San Francisco. You cannot say that the Dolphins have been perfect in rushing during his head coaching tenure.
Yet his run games have been among the most efficient more often than not. Not only that, but the rushing attacks have thrived off speed. That is something Kansas City desperately needs to rediscover in its run game. He has also designed a fairly quarterback-friendly offense, making things easier for a passer like Tua Tagovailoa and working around his limitations.
Kevin Stefanski
Like McDaniel, Kevin Stefanski could still be retained by the Cleveland Browns as head coach going into 2026. It appears to be anyone’s guess as to what his fate will ultimately be. He could also be viewed as a head coaching candidate for a different team in this cycle. But if he parts ways with Cleveland or is fired, there are certain adjustments he could help incorporate into the Kansas City offensive attack.
His offenses are known for their pro-style and run-heavy schemes. That rushing attack is based on wide-zone blocking assignments. Stefanski has also emphasized play-action passing and heavy tight end usage. Getting under center more often and utilizing a more believable play-action game would boost the Chiefs immensely.
Stefanski never worked with Reid directly, but he did work with a former Reid disciple. Brad Childress was the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach from 2006–10. Before that, Childress served as both quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles during Reid’s earlier years in Philadelphia. Stefanski held titles of assistant to the head coach and assistant quarterbacks coach during Childress’s time in Minnesota.
Stefanski stayed with the Vikings for nine additional years after Childress was let go. Tight ends coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator were all roles he held in Minnesota before landing the Browns’ head coaching job.
Jim Bob Cooter
Jim Bob Cooter has worked with many prominent quarterbacks throughout his NFL career. He was an offensive coordinator for Matthew Stafford in Detroit. Cooter also served on offensive staffs with Peyton Manning in Denver and Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.
Over the last three years, he has been the offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts under head coach Shane Steichen. Coming out of that environment, there are likable qualities in the Colts’ offense—namely, the balance and simplicity of the scheme. It can thrive off the run game, while also taking aggressive shots in the passing game.
Thomas Brown
Thomas Brown previously coached on Sean McVay’s offensive staff with the Los Angeles Rams. That influence alone generates plenty of interest. Since departing the Rams, Brown served as offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers and later as passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears. This season, Mike Vrabel brought him to New England as passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.
Brown has not always worked under ideal circumstances since leaving McVay’s staff, which could be a positive given the changes the Chiefs are likely to experience this offseason. He has also been part of an offensive turnaround with the Patriots and MVP candidate Drake Maye this year.
Brown has been portrayed as offering balance and creativity as a play caller in previous stints. With quarterback play specifically, he provided passers with a mix of quick reads and easy outlets depending on what the defense presented. As an offensive coordinator before, Brown had to have learned many unique and valuable lessons.
Nate Scheelhaase
Nate Scheelhaase is in his second season with the Rams and now holds the title of pass game coordinator. Once again, it is hard not to gravitate toward McVay ties for the Chiefs, given where Kansas City currently stands. Scheelhaase may not have the same name recognition as others listed here, but he is already generating significant buzz as a rising name in coaching circles this offseason.
Interestingly, Scheelhaase went to high school in Kansas City, Missouri. He played quarterback at Illinois from 2010–13. After finishing his playing career, he joined the Illini coaching staff before spending six seasons on Iowa State’s offensive staff. He eventually departed for the Rams. This younger influence could bring plenty of fresh ideas to the Chiefs’ offense.
Adam Stenavich
After his playing career, Adam Stenavich spent many years as an offensive line coach at both the college and NFL levels. He is now in his seventh season on the Green Bay Packers’ offensive staff. Stenavich held the run game coordinator title in 2021 and has served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator for the past four seasons.
Yes, head coach Matt LaFleur calls the plays in Green Bay. That said, there is still plenty to like about Stenavich’s role on that staff. He has seen the team cycle through different wide receivers, while the run game has adapted through various names and obstacles to show improvement. That sounds similar to what the Chiefs have experienced around Mahomes in recent years. Stenavich is an extremely intriguing name to keep in mind, given what he has already been part of in Green Bay.